God is not dog spelled backwards

Theresa and I went up to the monthly Orange County Vintage Bike Club meet in Huntington Beach yesterday. This time there were over 100 vintage bikes, many of which I can remember from when they were new, and I wasn't as old. From an old mini-bike, seems we all had a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower ride somewhere in our life, according to the large group around it, to the winning bike, a stunning 1954 BSA, we all had real good time. And listening to two hours of bench racing, well it all felt good. From BSA to Gilera to Honda to Triumph-seems we all were there for one thing-enjoy a good time with motorcycles as the main event.

We had fun as we saw two old Kawasakis-an original owner Z-1 and a '76 KZ900, explaining as our old Z-1, a 1975 was the last true Z, at least to the officienadoes. We visited with guys on /5 BMW's, like I had had, even surprising a so-called expert on the 1973 short or long wheelbase models. And a 1970 CB 350 Honda reminded of my first street bike, and although mine was a 1972, and gold, we both laughed at how we used to travel on such a small bike. Perhaps we were both smaller then, too. Remember when a small bike meant big fun? To apply my own words to Norma Desmond's reaction to the movies-"riding is big, it is the riders who got small." I talked with ex-Motorcyclist editor Mitch Boehm about our GS1000 Suzukis, and got a free copy of his own new magazine, Moto Retro Illustrated. Check it out at Motoretroillustrated.com and tell him another GS Suzuki rider sent you. And plan on a long conversation-listening to him that is.

And since the day was all about bikes, it meant many new Bonnevilles, an occasional Harley-how many of you Harley guys remember the Sprint? and many bikes from the 70-80's. Also a guy from American Honda brought a new bike not available in the states-a CB1100-a standard we used to call them. I noticed the MC DIST plates, like on the press bikes I ride, and he let me sit on it. While we talked, this man holding his purse dog, had been berating Honda, saying they made lousy bikes, and their marketing stunk-for if they had imported this model it would sell well. They don't have any models that anyone wants, etc... I had caught the tail end of the conversation, and when Mr. Honda had enough let this pseudo-half a sissy, holding his purse dog have it. Bravo! A poser, who may ride if his wife would let him, but first would have to put down his dog. Hey-we all ride! And we never found out what he did ride. Or if.

Maybe he should meet friends of mine like Spud at Biggs HD. Who although if cut would bleed orange and black, always takes time to check out any Triumph press bikes I bring by-his addiction is motorcycles. And why Pastor Fred, on whatever he is currently riding, always insists I take it for a ride. Maybe he should talk to David, who let me ride his KTM Duke around the block in 40 degree weather with no jacket-only took me a 35 minute ride to get a chill that day. Or although I favor Triumphs, I have two Suzukis and a Honda with my four Triumphs in the garage, with my wife's Mustang. Maybe he should talk to Herm at ECC, who after riding my Street Triple informed his wife of a new budget which included one. Ask Ray whose license plate frame says "It's great to B KING," mounted on his B King. Stu on his Gold Wing with a trailer, and many other brands known to have been parked at my house-the common denominator-WE RIDE! Honda even wrote a song about us, "I wanna ride, I wanna ride..." so we do, without purse dogs. For real bikers don't have a purse dog.

Did I mention that Jesus hates religion? After dying on the cross for all, seems men have divided his followers into denominations. Catholics can't take communion with non-Catholics, unless you are Fr. Al, who believes when Jesus says "do this in remembrance of me," He means Me-Jesus. Everybody. Not just who your cowardly rules say. That when travelling there are so many types of Baptist churches, with only one thing in common-they don't get along with each other. And I wince when two Christians meet, and then they ask what does your church believe. What would Jesus do? My answer-"you have to ask?" It seems Mr. I wanna be a Biker Purse dog is alive and well, sadly in many churches. We know more about our differences, than allowing the Spirit to unite us in truth. Jesus and... we hear. And I can see why Jesus threw the money changers out of the chapel-they didn't belong. And like my friend at Honda did, stood up and corrected this big mouth. Just like we need to do about the Lord-but in love. Quote the word in love, put on the love of Jesus, and watch as the devil and his followers leave. They can go and start another cult like the Mormons or Jehovah Witness, or take the things that fit their lifestyle and start another denomination. There are always other purse dog owners willing to join, until you don't agree with them.

I once asked a bunch of riders, mostly Harley and posers-you could tell by the clean leathers, and even cleaner, low mileaged bikes. "If only 250cc two strokes were allowed tomorrow, would you still ride?" Without fail, they all said "NO!" Except for one guy, who said he would, and would still sneak out on his old bike whenever he could. I like that-a rebel to the end. Why can't we love like that?

Be a rebel for Jesus today. Rise above denominations and doctrinal differences. Unite with Jesus in the spirit. And watch as the blessings flow. Keep your politics and purse dogs at home-all they do is bring division. And feel free to park your Honda next to my Triumph, next to a Harley. At a Suzuki dealer. Biker unity. The true brotherhood of bikers setting an example for others-whether they ride or not.

And if it works for bikers, can you imagine what it would do for the church? Something to do in remembrance of who? In a perfect world we would all ride...with Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

no loneliness in this long distance rider

A frind from New Jersey asked, "how long does it take fr you to ride from California to here?" And when I told him I had done it in less than 70 hours, he couldn't believe it, but was excited too know more. And I could see him as his mind visioned 100mph for days on end-and that I should be on some freak show to tell my story-as the audience goes "That's Impossible!" Or maybe just so he could tell his friends he knows someone who did it. Of course, I am sure he used all the right adjectives as nuts, crazy affectionately of course and that he would never do that. Of course his shoes with velcro instead of laces should have given him away. Making the event bigger than life, when really it was no big deal when you break it down. Do the math, 3000 miles @ 75mph is only 40 hours of riding time, divided by 3 days and that is less than 14 hours a day-no big deal. Because that is all it took. Even including the extra stop at Jimmies for my four hot dog intake. And when compared to flying, I saw more country, wasn't stuck in an uncomfortable seat, and wasn't subjected to any search, while keeping my shoes on until I wanted to take them off. Think of it as a three day weekend, and maybe you get it. But my friend still shakes his head, and I do too-at him.

As I get older life seems to get faster, as I get slower. And maybe that is the truth in it-I get slower. But like in riding, I have gotten more consistent. Again, an example. Ride 75 miles in one hour. Then stop for a 15 minute break, and now you are averaging 60 mph. Do that consistently and your 14 hour ride turns into a 17 hour ride-just by riding inconsistent. Still don't get it, while I'm out the door by 8, and in bed at 10, you miss the late news, the Tonite Show, and fall asleep the next day. I got two extra hours of rest. Ten minutes may not sound like much, but at the end of the day it can speak volumes. Ask any mom, she'll gladly take the extra two hours of sleep.

And consistency doesn't mean rushing either. It means riding steady. Like in racing, going less slow in the slow sections, and going faster in the fast ones. New Mexico and Arizona post 75mph speed limits, and everyone goes at least 85! But in Pennsylvania it is only 65, where everyone goes 75, stay consistent! Do we see a theme here?

But yet just like on our rides, we hurry through life, missing many blessings. A theme of many I know or even ride with is hurry up and wait. We hurry to lunch to wait for a seat. We get up early to beat the crowd at the gas station, just like everyone else who got up early to beat the rush. Only at church do I find people not rushing, but walking in 10-15 minutes late. To you guys, I wish you would. But we fail to get a basic premise, or see a personality quality of Jesus. We all remember Him walking on water, feeding five thousand, and being arrested in the Garden. But although it is never stated, the fact is Jesus never hurried. He was never late, never early-He was always on time! Ten thirty meant ten thirty to him-not whenever! And even when the sisters of Lazarus complained to Him "why did it take you so long to rescue our brother?" He was on time, just as He explained. A lesson that we should take to heart. A change of heart before an attack of the heart occurs. Then you'll have lots of time-to wait.

So don't rush to church, get there on time. We all know who you late ones are, and really wish you would arrive on time so you don't interrupt, and step on my toes when you do. And don't rush after church either. Be nice at the market-someone's toes you stepped on may be in front of you. Think about it-no better, pray about it. Then do it!

Not all trips are long journeys, only by hurrying can you turn them into one. I get certain blessings that no other long distance riders get-spending time with Jesus. With no interruptions! No phones, texts, or faxes. No instant messaging either! I am free to be alone if I want, or alone with Jesus. And it is my choice-so I do both! Because I am in no hurry. Maybe the old adage about the hurrieder I go the behinder I get is true. And I don't ever wear a watch? Is that why I am seldom late?

Jesus rides at your pace. Do you ride at his? Again simple math. I ride 65mph, you ride 63. At the end of an hour I am only two miles ahead of you. "Hey-how'd you get there so fast?" To which I reply, "how'd you get here so slow?"

No matter your pace, ride the one Jesus sets up for you. Don't try to outlast, or outride Him. Ain't gonna happen. Ride with Him, and enjoy the ride. Let the most consistent thing in your life be Jesus. And watch as you always arrive on time, and your destination is really the ride with Him.

Of course, if you don't ride you may not get this-maybe this is a good time to ask Jesus into your life. For like the t-shirt says, "if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand." And that may have been the part you missed when you got to church late!

All because a guy from Jersey who rides asked a question. Next time, the difference between waiting and delaying.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

Gort-Klaatu barata nikto

After traveling millions of miles, Klaatu finally lands on earth in Washington, DC. Being an emissary of peace, all he wants to do is show the earthlings how to live together in peace. But what he doesn't realize is he is about to be a Moses moment, a time where the people will turn against him, and his message. Upon landing, he is surrounded by the Army, who points their tanks, cannons, and artillery at him. And when he steps out, and holds out a gift to the President that would show him how to grow bigger crops and end world hunger, they shoot him.

While healing up in the hospital, the secretary of state cannot get him access to the president-he's to busy. And the other world leaders are too interested their own problems to grant him an audience. They all demand a private meeting, not a group meeting. Welcome to Washington, DC and politics, Klaatu. A stiff necked people. Politicians. All about themselves, not of, by, or for the people. If you forget, does anyone happen to remember what shape the table was in the Viet Nam war talks?

Finally the scientific community welcomes him, after he proves who he is, and his purpose. But the message must be for all, or no message at all. So Professor Barnhart arranges for scientists from all over the world to meet and hear Klaatu. But first, he must get their attention, for just like the audience Moses had, they are hard and stiff necked. So at noon, Klaatu turns off all the electric power around the world, except in planes and hospitals. And it terrifies people, but not enough to listen. A show of force, not enough. Their last hope, the conference. But once again Klaatu is shot, Gort revives him-resurrection of a sort, and he makes the meeting-issuing a stern warning before he leaves.

Why is it that people forever in history have rejected God's plan for peace? What is it about love, peace, and joy that man can't stand? And if you were God, how would you get their attention, one final time, before the end comes? "Not by might" He says. For men change their minds from battle to battle. And some egos still want to lead, no matter how unqualified they are. And the battles need to end, which they will in one final Armageddon. "Not by power," He adds. Politicians and financial people understand power-it is all about them. And absolute power corrupts absolutely-unless you are God. "But by my spirit," says God. And so he puts the world on a stage, one last time. A not-so-sneak prevue of coming attractions, to show what is about to happen. A final chance to change your heart, and follow Jesus. For 2000 years the story has been told, and the offer made-now time is getting short. One final chance to see how much God really loves the world, and one final chance to accept Jesus before He returns for His church. But only if you accept Him and repent.

Look at the events on the news-now. Earthquakes, tornadoes, and tsunamis, to show the world how they cannot control weather. Wars, rumors of wars, and demonstrations-parents against children and vice versa, showing how political and power bases cannot issue in God's peace. Confusion in the financial markets, showing how foolish it is to invest in something based on rumor and innuendo. The love of money shown through greed and avarice. Every system known to man, anything that he tries to control, is out of control. The stage is set-are you watching? Or are you just a part of another Moses moment in time, a time of rebellion against God, and a moment that is still all about you?

Klaatu's final words before he left earth with Gort were simple. "Join us, and enjoy peace. If not, and you continue in your wicked ways, the earth will be turned into a burned out cinder. The decision is yours." And that is why it is by God's spirit. A change of heart that results in life, or a continuation ending in death. For only He can change the heart. Time is short, and God is watching. No more Moses moments. No more gold cows, false religions, or Pharisees. Klaatu has come and gone. You have been shown the future. Time to have that stiff neck massaged as only the spirit can do. Just you and God. Or you and death. As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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some enchanted evening

If you ask me, all the other seasons are over rated, and only summer is under rated. And perhaps why I have chosen to never grow up. For after participating in more than few of them, I think I can justify my case. For summer is fun, and I love summer.

Summer is more than a day light season. It extends into the night with longer daylight hours, allowing playtime to go on. And since there is no school, you can stay up later, because you don't have to get up-at least when you are a kid, which is a time we never take full advantage of. I was so busy trying to be 12 so I could get into the movies with my older friends, I missed some kid stuff. I am making up for it now-by not going to the movies. And riding more each summer. For summertime is fun, and I love summer.

Just before junior high, in that 10-12 age group, should be the best time of your life. No real job yet, no girlfriends to force you into needing money, which requires a job, too young to ride on the street, so no gas money needed, and no school-all summer. You are still a few years from where you know it all, and friends are still special. Summer is fun, and I love summer.

After a hard day of playing at the park, you rush out to meet your friends after dinner for kickball. And you tell your mother the energy you need for the extra few innings you get in, you got from dinner. But truly the visit from the Carnival or Good Humor man is the key to it. Give me a Strawberry Shortcake for my 15 cents. But recently a new player has caused you to rethink your choice, Mr. Softee. Serving the creamiest, creamiest soft ice cream, in a cone, he comes by sporadically, and you discover that if you eat the Good Humor treat, he is sure to show. When you hear his truck, no ice cream bells here, it plays the Mr. Softee tune, you run to your mother for more money, and when you finally wear her down for the extra 15 cents-it is worth it. Perhaps the offer to share with her is the clincher-nah, she can get her own. Game called on account of Mr. Softee-but that's OK. Because it is almost dark, and after playing catch, you sit with friends under the street light, and listen to the older guys talk about girls, study halls, Joey's new 5speed, an English racer, how candy bars seem to be getting smaller, what's next, 6 cents? and how parents can give you a tough time raising them. Which entails sharing the latest beating you got, which now sounds spectacular when bragging your dad hits harder than theirs, but wishing he didn't. This goes on, until after repeated threats from the house, "it's late, you have to get up in the morning," you go in-thoroughly exhausted, and fall to sleep, ready to repeat it again. You're a kid, carefree, and life couldn't be better. Because summertime is fun, and I love summertime.

At least twice a week you sleep out, usually in Joey's tent. It holds four people, and along with Kenny and Joey, you are the third regular. Again hitting up your mother for a quarter this time, for extra candy and a comic book. And at 12 cents, influences all the other choices which are only a nickel. And it's usually Archie, and while you are still too young to understand most of it, the guys at night discuss the attributes of Betty and Veronica-the earliest education on girls you get, and you are introduced to the age old decision of Betty or Veronica, still Veronica, even today. Staying up late, you listen more than talk-these guys have me by 3-5 years, and know everything, you can read about Jughead tomorrow, this is important stuff, and after 10 it is time for the radio. 77 WABC! Cousin Brucie time. And his voice is the last you hear until you wake up the next morning and go home and take a nap from staying up all night, the radio batteries dead from leaving the little transistor on all night. And once again hear from you parents how expensive the 29 cent 9 volt is, and after "yes Dad, ok Mom," you agree to never do it again-until the next time. Of which this time was the next time last time. Until next time. And it's ok, because it's summertime, and fun. And I love summertime.

I ask people two things-what good is fun if you don't enjoy it? And as a Christian we should have more fun than anybody-so why don't we? This is asked usually after I have explained why I enjoy Jesus in my life so much. He tells us to come to Him as little children-and based on the above, I had fun. So I still do, realizing God is my Daddy in heaven. He's that personal. And as I get closer to Him, I trust Him even more, so what to you appears to be carelessness, is really being carefree. Remember that peace He promises that you don't understand, but try to anyway? I don't try. Which leaves me more time to enjoy life because I worry less. He wants to be my God-so I let Him! And along with happiness, He fills me with joy. And the summer saga continues. Because being a Christian is fun, and I love Jesus!

We don't sit under the streetlights after kickball anymore. No more kickball to play at our age, but we still sit out on the porch every night and visit like we did as kids. The topics may have changed to cars, motorcycles, and places to go, but no longer girls, as I have the one God gave me with me on the porch each night. And sometimes I'll read until the sun goes down, and thank God for these times He has given us. Times to be alone with Him-no TV, radio, cd, or anything else. Spending it with my wife and anyone else who stops by. Quiet to listen to life in the background. And on special nights I still swear I can hear the Mr. Softee truck tune getting closer...

But only after I've had a Good Humor! My stomach full of ice cream, and summer is fun. Carefree with Jesus. And I love summer, because Jesus loves me. How can you not love summer?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

at this time in your life-scene 1

For some unknown reason, the origin of this enigma is unknown. We do know that it manifests itself in everyone, particularly in children, where it appears most. It is not life threatening, although it can be life interrupting, and is not restricted by race, sex, creed, or whether you ride or not. This phenomena doesn't even have a name, but you will know it by its description. It has probably happened to you at lest once. For instance, this scenario...

You have waited all week to watch your favorite show. The season ending climax where the murderer will be revealed, who fathered the child found on the steps, and who was that mysterious person on the motorcycle. You have not only waited all week, but the entire show, when they are about to reveal it all-and your kids rush in! Somehow these children magically know that not only between 8-9 pm your favorite show is on, but that exactly at 8 hours, 53 minutes, and 47 seconds all the questions will be answered-and here they are. How do they know? Aren't these the same kids you have to call half a dozen times to come in to dinner? Has this ever happened to you? And even though you find out the answers later, it is not the same. You 've been robbed. Again.

But I have also had the reverse happen-perhaps it is more justice than revenge. Game 6, 1986 World Series-you know the scenario. Mookie hits the ground ball to Bill Buckner which should win the Series for the Red Sox. All he has to do is catch it. But just as the ball goes through his legs, the Mets win and I jump out of my recliner, ecstatic, WE WON! Just as Christopher and Theresa return from shopping. Scaring the heck out of them for a change-and not missing this magic moment for Met fans-me! They almost got me-but I got them. Four people, two different states, but we all met together. Amazing! And we all remember it, particularly Christopher, who at six years old didn't realize what this meant to a Met fan. Or what he had just been part of. He just remembers.

I have been told that timing is everything, and have been both hero and victim to that statement.

Today may be the most important time in your life. The Bible, via prophecy, tells us what is going on in the world today, some prophecies over 2500 years old, and is like reading the headlines today. Things that are promised, just before the calling out of His saints-by Jesus, the event we call the rapture. The following are predicted, not only to happen, but to increase in intensity, and occur more frequently. Just look at yesterday's news. The stock market drops over 10% in a week, and the whole world is in total economic chaos. Men via governments are out of control, and people are rioting in the street. Government institutions are threatened because they are out of money. Riots in England, Russia, and Syria-people being shot and killed. Extreme famine is worldwide-12 million refugees in Somalia alone. Food prices are rising-fast, with no end in sight, and now the supplies are threatened. Pestilence is rampant, with HIV figures so high no one publishes them anymore. New diseases, salmonella outbreaks, and tainted food stores. We now have hurricane and tornado seasons because there are so many of them. Record heat-dozens of days continually over 100 degrees with no end in sight. Floods in Kansas City while we were there in the middle of a draught. Cattle dying, and people too. Electrical grids threatened and brownouts in effect. Families disintegrating because no one wants to work together. Teenage girls aborting babies, and no one getting married, we'll just live together. Their children bastards, and with no father, the mothers overburdened to the point of killing their own children, sometimes because they simply can't feed them. Or they interfere with their life style. No justice found anywhere-no one cares except for themselves. Every man controlled system in decay, money no longer can rescue them, and people are desperate. Just like God said would happen in the last days-before He returned.

Right now-not later, is the time for you to either be part of these last days, or be ready to be taken out by God via the rapture. Simply trust Jesus-repent and let Him lead you, and you will be saved. Speak it with your mouth, believing it with your heart. You don't need to understand, nor try to-that is what got us here to start with-we thought we know better than God. And with the little faith you have, watch as God will take you through these times, and finally take you home to your new home-heaven.

Today is the day of salvation because no one is promised tomorrow. As rich become poor, as homes are foreclosed on, and joblessness increases, decide right now to not be part of it. No one including Jesus Himself knows when He is returning-He warns-BE READY! And it will happen when you least expect it, just like when your favorite part of the show is on!

You weren't expecting your kids to bust in, no way anyone could have known the ending to game 6. But about these things to occur you do. It is up to you now, what is your decision? Choose God or choose death. And when you do choose God, call someone who is a Christian and tell them what you have done. Let them pray with you, and let them rejoice just like the angels do in heaven.

Welcome to the family! You're Born Again!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

trust God-He delivers just what He promises

When Clement Studebaker started making wagons back in 1853, he sold the first three to his brother Peter some 45 miles east in Goshen. Within the week Peter had sold them, and hurried back to South Bend to order more. It was then that Peter accepted the position in the new manufacturing business as Sales Manager, with a simple contract. "I will sell all the wagons Clement can make." And Clement handwrote below it, "I will make all the wagons that Peter can sell." And so the Studebaker Brothers company started, based on a simple agreement that would stupefy the most ardent business attorney today. Two brother-who understood the concept of supply and demand, and would form the foundation of a company that until 1966 would sell wagons, station wagons were their last model, selling the wagon portion of their business in 1919, going with gasoline cars after a brief, unsuccessful stint building electrics. A company that at one time had all the Studebaker brothers-all eight of them involved in the business, and that for over 100 years would be the major industry and employer in South Bend, Indiana. Their motto simple-"Deliver more than you promise."

Sadly they are out of business today, explaining the depression you find there, a mirror image of Detroit. But a town rich in automotive history. Names like Studebaker, Erskine, Churchill, and Hoffman adorn buildings and parks. When the last Studebaker gave over the reins of the business to a non-Studebaker, it was with a verbal agreement to always stay in South Bend, to support the town. Where fathers and sons worked next to each other at the factory, and at one time in 1952 eight brothers worked there at the same time. Devoted to the economy and society of South Bend, even the old test track where the word STUDEBAKER was cut into the forest, still remains today a memory of brighter days. A town rich in tradition, who when aligned with the other South Bend famous name, University of Notre Dame, is still well known. And Knute Rockne, famous coach there, and of the "win one for the Gipper," even had a car named after him, the Rockne, which only lasted a few years. But who is well remembered for giving a speech to the early automotive pioneers, that is said to have brought them to tears. Staid businessmen such as Alfred P. Sloan of GM, and Henry Ford attended and were inspired, eyes filled with tears, based on the speech that day. In South Bend, where the business of building cars, and the Company leaving its mark, delivered more than they promised.

Sadly if you are less than 55 years old you may not know of Studebaker. They left the car business in 1966, building the last Larks in Canada. But along the way leaving such legacies as the Loewy coupes of 1953, Presidents, Skyways, Commanders, the Avanti and Andy Granatelli, STP, and the famous 1950 model which asked, "which way is it going." Which along the way, was partnered with Packard, just before they went out of business. And imported Mercedes Benz automobiles in the 50's and 60's. All gone today, as the cars are absent, but the legacy remains. The town, a mirror image of a ravaged Detroit, but still home to the Fighting Irish. Other than that just another industrial town, where cars are still driven, but are now imported from foreign countries. Where they may be built cheaper, by paying a lesser wage, but without the heart and soul that kept the heartbeat of South Bend alive for so many decades. And wherever you see a vacant lot which used to be a factory, or an empty building in decay, the products are still used, just not made here anymore. Offshore they call it, I call it sad. For with it not only dies the town, but the people who live in it, only shells of what was, but not of what is to be. An industry still delivering what it promised, only the promises are lesser, and so they are easier to maintain. Compromise they call it, when it really is a betrayal of values.

It annoys me when I see two people disagree and then offer to "agree to disagree." What does that mean anyway? Compromise. And it is based on the lowering of values. And when you start to compromise, where do you stop? And as I watch compromise going on within the church, I hope you don't confuse Jesus Christ with the church. He never compromised-He paid it all. He endured the six hours on the cross for us. He rose again and promised we would too, if we repented and believed His promise. No compromise here-when He says all and forever, He means all and forever. Just like the simple agreement between two brothers, He means all. He is there for all who call, and loves you as you are. His promises are yes and amen-delivering far beyond anything you could ask for or imagine. A bar set so high that only in Christ can you attain it. So only He gets the credit. No compromises here-only the best. Something that religion promises, but has never been found to deliver yet. Only in Jesus.

And the reason we see so many old churches empty, the buildings decaying. They mirror what is going on inside, compromise of the gospel. Following a script of doing what the congregation wants to hear, not what God does. No talk of sin, or repentance, can't upset the flock. Teaching a word that is not found in the Word, a church only by definition, not of heart or of the scriptures. Compromise.

If your church looks like this, take the lesson of South Bend. Turn to Jesus before it is too late, before all you have to look to are memories. Keep the gospel simple, like the Studebaker brothers agreement-you trust God, and He'll take care of it all. A promise that He will more than deliver on.

And you thought Studebaker was just a car... and church was just a place to go. It's still all about Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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stoppies, wheelies, girls, burnouts and questions not asked

"Anything you can do, I can do better," was the saying of two talented friends. Competitive in everything, they continually sought to outdo one another. So when they noted a new girl moved into the neighborhood, they decided to impress her with their riding skills. For three nights they cruised by as she sat on the porch, and gave approving nods, and waves to their riding skills. Then the fourth night, as they went by right on schedule, they noticed the porch was empty. Who was going to watch their wheelies, stoppies, and burn outs now? Their question was quickly answered when her father appeared on the porch. As they went by slowly, looking, he waved them over.

"My daughter is really impressed with both your guys riding skills. And she loves to ride, too. So when another guy stopped by and asked her if she wanted to go for a ride, she accepted." And their disappointment turned to disgust, when they found out who it was. He rode a lesser bike, has lesser skills, and wasn't nearly as cool as them. And as her dad headed back inside, one blurted out, "why would she go out with a guy like that when we came by every night?"

Her father coolly answering, "he asked, you didn't." If only they had thought of that, instead of feeding their own egos, she would be riding with them too.

Impression is one thing, execution is another. And a great example of how not to walk with God. I hear attitudes from time to time of how "I'm going make God love me more. Or make Him proud of me." And then watch as this fool tries to attend church more, Or go to more Bible studies, or read the Bible through in a year. Maybe even sign up for a missions trip, bragging of what he is doing, but miserable inside. God is not impressed, He already loves you in an agape way-more than you can imagine, and cannot love you anymore than He does. And even when seeing your heart, that doesn't change. You cannot please God by trying to impress Him. It is called pride, and stands between you and Him.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. And so you must trust Him with the situations you are in. And let Him guide you through, not leaning on your own wisdom. Let faith show itself approved in your actions, and as you trust God more, be filled with His joy. Jesus put it simply, "He gives a joy that surpasses understanding." Despite the situation, the health, the money, or the relationship in question, His joy out weighs them all. Even to two proud riders, who missed the object of their affection.

Don't you. Life is not a contest, but it is a race. An endurance race. Don't let one bad event ruin your future. Trust God, leaving the past where it belongs, and looking to the heavenlies for guidance. For where you look, you will follow. Taking the lesson from the lesser rider, who didn't lean on his lesser skills, but took the opportunity to ask for a date. You may not have because you don't ask, but also because you don't listen.

God has a way through your situation right now. And He hears your questions? Will you take the time to listen to His answers? Coulda, shoulda, and woulda are the man's mantra who doesn't trust God. Just ask the two riders-dateless and proud. Just because they didn't ask for what they really wanted.

Trust God. And watch and listen. As the peace that surpasses understanding guides your life. That's love.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com