March madness

In the past two weeks I have spent over 1700 miles on three different motorcycles. Add a fourth, and that goes to 2700 miles in a month-not bad for a March. In like a lion, and out like a lamb, goes the old saying. And talking with Mickey yesterday when dropping off the Tiger XC, we commented on how easy the bike was to ride. Lots of power-94hp from an 800cc dirt bike, and great brakes, good handling, and a comfortable suspension. Just push the starter button and go-the computer takes care of the rest. Like I said, an easy bike to ride. Talent helps too. But getting back on my old GS1000, at 34 years old this once technological wonder is an antique. It had sat for three weeks, and didn't want to start-a quick battery boost did the trick. But it took a few minutes and a few miles for it to warm up and smooth out. Something no rider would be patient with today. But when new, we considered it the hot set-up, and it was just part of the ride. But the thing that first got my attention was how small it was after sitting on the Tiger. It felt tiny, this old hot rod touring bike, and I remember when it used to feel so big. And smooth, and fast with dual front disc brakes, and all of 82hp available. It was the king of superbikes-just ask Wes Cooley who rode it to championships and fame. But today I had to ride it, as opposed to just sitting on it and turning the throttle or applying the brakes when needed. It demanded my attention-not a bad thing when riding, but I had to think, no comment here please.

And going back two weeks I was on another bike, a Speed Triple R-perhaps the best handling bike I ever rode. Fast and fun-but I had to ride it too. For with its handling potential, I was able to go into turns faster than ever before-some 10-15mph faster, and with the radial Brembos on it-it stopped like nothing else I have ever ridden. But where I had to work hard on the GS, the S3R demanded I be part of it-and soon no thinking was required as I truly became one with the bike. And in shock again as I got back on the GS. Same rider, same roads, but what a difference a different bike makes. And what a difference the ride made. I had to "ride" the bike again. The one time dream bike of mine, with no peer at the time, was now showing her age. Still a lady, but an older lady. And me an older man. Guess maybe I have changed my riding style in 34 years, too.

When I go back to Jersey and see someone who I haven't seen in years, they ask if I still ride. And in their mind I'm on my R90S, a wild kid. So they still think that when I say I still ride. Some truth in that, but I have grown, maybe not up, but in the Lord. To my past I am just the guy who went fast, but to my friends now, I'm just the guy who goes fast...Maybe things don't change? It seems Jesus had the same problem when He went home. He was Joe and Mary's kid, the carpenter. That was how they remembered him. How could it be that He claimed to be the savior? How could it be that it was Him healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and raising the dead? Jesus? Of Nazareth? Sorry, not the Jesus I remember...He was just a carpenter then..

And so it goes that no prophet is recognized in his own home town. I know the feeling. I'm still the crazy kid on the motorcycle-it seems everyone else has grown up and old, and has something to show for it except me. But when we talk, and we get to know each other, we find that the legend changes. We both have births, deaths, kids to feed, and mortgages to pay. And we find that we have more in common with each other than we thought. Way cool when we both ride-but even cooler when we both know Jesus.

Get to know the real Jesus today. He may not be who you think He is. Or who the world wants Him to be. He is God incarnate, 1/3 of the the Trinity, and died for your sins. He wants to save you, and even though He will always be Joe and Mary's kid, He has a heavenly Father just like us that He wants to please. So don't prejudge Him. Give Him a chance. Spend some time with Him and get to know Him. But do it now.

For my old Suzuki is 34 years old, Jesus only made it to 33. Today is the day of salvation. Don't miss it. For you see motorcycles change, and get old. So do we. And we may be harder to recognize. But Jesus is the same today as He was then, and will be forever. No surprises, or doctrine changes. He still loves you, and wants to bless you. Take a ride with Him today, and share some times that someday you'll look back on like I look back when I ride my old bike. And when I ride the new ones, I compare then and now. Just like my life, before Jesus, and after Jesus.

And you know, He does change lives. Salvation is a good thing, and it goes on forever. For men may get smarter via technology, but Jesus had it all from the start. Recognize Him in your life, for although He will always be Joe and Mary's kid, the carpenter, more importantly He is Jesus, the Christ. The only begotten son of the creator of the universe. God our father! I just call Him friend.

What do you call Him? Depends on how well you know Him. Seems Jesus has a lot in common with March. In as the Lamb of God, and out as the Lion of God. And still Jesus after all these years.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

living a dream

Many think that as they get older that time goes quicker. I was once among them, until I realized that time wasn't changing-I was! I was getting slower, or not as fast as I once was. Time was constant. And the second law of thermodynamics proved it-we are all atrophying. Sorry evolutionists, we are all aging, there is no fountain of youth to the missing link. The same could be said for my level of smarts. One day I woke up, and found out I didn't know as much as I thought I did. And that I didn't know more than I knew. And believe it or not, I felt much better. For it seems the lessons of my youth had stuck with me longer than expected, not growing up will do that to you, and fortunately had not caused permanent damage. After reading Ray Stedman's study on Ecclesiastes, I found myself like Solomon, except for the riches. He wrote this in a fallen state, he wasn't walking with God at the time, and found out that no matter what your stage in life was, without God you are a failure. And will never enjoy life as God has intended it. No matter how much chrome you have on your Harley, the catalog gets bigger each year.

Like many, I was approached at an early age by an Amway representative. "Do you know ten people that could use more money?" And signed up, believing all the rhetoric, seeing the beautiful people in life flying to lunch in their own Cessna, eating lobster for breakfast, and burdened with which Cadillac do I drive today? But real life was different, the meetings had other wanna-be's like me, and one time I was told that success in the company was "fake it till you make it." Now if Amway was short for the American Way, they had hit it perfectly. Finance your future. But at age 22, I was still young, and vulnerable. So when a couple, Ralph and Dee, who were movers and shakers, were bragging about picking up the new T-bird they had special ordered, I cruised by Frontier Ford to see them get their dream car. I was watching their dream. They saw me as they walked into the finance office, and as I stood outside, I heard the battle unfold. They had lousy credit, and they couldn't get financed by anybody. Lack of income was among the problems. Shot down, in a world they lived in that was more form than function. They were good arguers, but lousy negotiators. Seems Ford didn't care how big they were in Amway, if they didn't pay their bills, Ford would not loan them any money. They had to make a certain income to qualify. How dare Ford? As they stormed past me, not even making eye contact, I kept this to myself. I truly felt sorry for them. Later I was told they were faking it, not making it. For if they had made it, Amway would lease them a car-with a millstone agreement. If they fell below a standard, they had to pay the lease themselves! The American Way? Bottom line, if you didn't perform, you made no money, and Amway didn't make your car payment. Ralph and Dee had been living a dream, but like anyone who knows a sleepwalker will tell you, it is dangerous to wake them up. For they were living a dream, not the dream, and it really was a nightmare. A lesson learned early, but not early enough for them. Do people like that ever get it?

When we are told we "greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world," God is talking about living in the spirit. We all have to live in the world, but don't have to bow to its pressures, demands, lies, or legends. I am still waiting to hear of the businessman who wished for one last deal before he died, but have spent time with numerous folks who wish for more time with their kids, wife, or family. But the ones who are really sad are the ones who realize they should have spent more time with God. In many cases they have repented, and will spend eternity in heaven with Him. But what about the Ralph and Dees of the world, whose God is things, and only mention Jesus when it is convenient? Who are so in debt to sin, that they don't believe that salvation is a gift? They believe like everything else in their lives it has to be earned. That life is a competition, a place to perform, and that they hope to get to heaven on their performance. Don't they think that God reads their credit report too? If God won't come across with the loan, why should anyone else? Don't they know that they cannot earn a place in heaven?

One of the benefits of being Born Again is being a new person in Christ. Your credit report is clean, in fact there is no record of any past sins, late payments, repossessions, short sales, or dunning. Even the stupid is erased. God truly makes a new person. Start all over again. Something no credit report can do. It is up to us to live like it. To trust God and let Him make all things new. To show us how to not fall into the same traps over and over again, and to see how the things we thought previously were so valuable, are really not worth much. Cars get old, styles change, and it seems they always raise the quota the closer you get. Putting the dream just out of reach. But never the lust or the disappointment.

Trust God today. Have a life of values, instead of valuables. Walk your talk, and don't fake it till you make it. That won't get you into heaven, the ultimate reward. Try it God's way, instead of Amway's! Exercise self control-a fruit of the spirit, and watch as God's way is the best way. In fact you will find it to be the only way!

Ecclesiastes tells us the rich man never has enough, and stays up nights worrying about what he does have. I find great comfort in knowing my God supplies all my needs in His riches and glory through Christ Jesus. Learn it now and live it daily. You never know who just might be standing outside the office when your sin is exposed!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew2biker.blogspot.com

fashion statements of the cool and riding

The first real motorcycle shirt I ever wore was borrowed from my friend Ricky. He rode trials bikes, an Ossa Plonker, and got the shirt from Randy's Cycle Sales in Boylston, Massachusetts. It was my primary shirt that I wore my senior year in high school, and as motorcycles were not the cool thing in Jersey, I really stuck out with it. Denim jeans, t-shirt, and boots-I was ready to ride-even if I didn't have my own ride yet. But it was the shirt with all that info on the back that made me feel cool among the grease, clique, and soul brothers that made up my high school. Cool is more than shirt deep-the fashionable never get it. And I was still just one shirt away from my first motorcycle.

The names of motorcycles back then were many. Who remembers Greeves? Or Yankee? Did you Viva Montessa? Who didn't want a Bultaco shirt, which even the Bultaco shop didn't have? Add Cooper, Sachs, Jawa CZ, and others the likes of Hodaka and Husky and the list of orphans go on longer than our memory. But what if you were brought up in a motorcycle household? How would you be taught the ABC's of life? If it was the Ekins household, you would learn them via motorcycle brands-a fact shared at Bud Ekins memorial service at Warner Brothers. Sung by both his daughters! Bud was the one who taught Steve McQueen to ride-when we all wanted to be Steve, Steve wanted to be Bud! He rode in Then Came Bronson, and drove the Mustang in Bullitt. An accomplished stunt driver, he was more renown for his racing, from the Catalina Grand Prix to ISDT. Bud could ride, owned a Triumph shop, and was responsible for moto-x being established in the US of A. DeCoster and others worked out of Bud's home when first arriving here. But the alphabet-let's see how far your memory goes back-as I list some from A to Z! Ariel-BSA-Cooper-Ducati-Excelsior-Fischer-Gilera-Hodaka-Indian-JAP-Kawasaki-Laverda-Montessa-Norton-Ossa-Puch-Quasar-Royal Enfield-Sears-Triumph-Ural-Victory-Watson-XL-Yankee-Zundapp! Some gone, some forgotten, and some still living only in our memories and our t-shirts. But alive in our hearts!

But does the shirt make the biker? Good question? Today we are a society of t-shirts. Some mean something, some are just there. When you see some trendy girl with a Hollister shirt, don't waste your time asking her about the rally. Von Dutch has nothing to do with Kenny Howard-the real Von Dutch or pin striping. But they sound cool, and can be misleading. I visited with some people lately with Christian shirts on, and one guy made a comment about how people were led to him by his shirt. He probably discounted two things-one, he probably ran off more who saw his shirt as a warning of his approaching to preach at them, but most importantly he neglected the Holy Spirit. Isn't it the spirit that guides? Did Paul wear a Jesus Freak shirt? Guess he never thought about that. But so many don't, and hide behind the shirt. We will call them men pleasers as opposed to God pleasers. Whose evangelical kit consists of a shirt, bumper sticker, and a trendy Bible cover. No depth, just a facade. For just like we can tell real bikers, the world can tell real Christians. They are known by their love-and the old saying is true, people will care about how much you know, when they know how much you care! And myself and others find we minister more, and more effectively without an advertisement-and letting God guide us. Isn't true ministry all about God?

There were no t-shirt concessions at the cross. So we should remember what draws us there in the first place. And what we take with us when we leave. If you only get a shirt and stickers, you missed the gospel. If you didn't leave with Jesus, and a changed heart-go back. Ditch the shirts, and ask for the real thing-Jesus! Don't settle for religion, when you can have God! And don't put on the shirt if you can't back it up. For you just might be asked, and will your shirt get you into heaven? Will it get you in the Word? Will it get the Word in you? Don't be misled-the best fashion statement you can make is with your actions and attitudes-ones of love.

Works with motorcycle shirts too. We know when you don't know what we are wearing. You see the world puts the logo on front-so when you are on TV it is noticed. We wear ours on our back, visible only when we are riding away. As it should be. For the real mark of a Christian is reflected on the back of Jesus. No marks-don't follow. The scars of 40 lashes-that's love. A message no shirt could convey. Taken for you, in love. So let me ask, what's on your shirt? Does it reflect what is in your heart?

Coming or going-we'll know the difference. And so will God. Jesus Christ, still the ultimate fashion statement after 2000 years. Witness by the spirit or by t-shirt? Only one is real ministry. You can ride a Plonker, or be one. Who are you pleasing?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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with a little help from my friends

"Please note that off road racing can be dangerous or deadly. Use caution." And for the years that we were involved with off road racing, this was the warning SCORE always made clear. And for anyone who rides, or races off road, they know how dangerous it can be. We were very involved with the Trophy Trucks at the time-those 140mph desert trucks, driven by guys like Robbie Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Larry Ragland, Ivan Stewart, Walker Evans, and Dave and Paul Simon. We had seen accidents, and even knew of two men being killed while racing, but like most headlines, if it isn't your family, it just doesn't quite hit home. We had seen an ESPN photographer hit while on the course in a reduced speed area, and thrown 150 feet into the windshield of a Forerunner. Only 100 feet away, we heard it-a sound I cannot describe. And how a death within the racing community affected everyone in it. But for us it hit home at the Baja 500 in 1995.

Dave Simon was racing with his co-driver Mike Harris. We were all at the trailer when the message came in from Dave-they had gone off the road at over 100mph when he missed a turn. They were alive-and would be alright, but for weeks both racers would wear marks of where their 5-point belts left bruises and saved their lives. And both would race again, two miracles. And we saw first hand how dangerous the sport we loved could be. And as we all raced back to the US of A from Ojos Negros, I remember the fear of the unknown-and as Dave's wife found comfort in the Lord, not knowing how her husband was, or would be. Scary times, even for those closest to Christ.

When Jimbo showed up at our door Saturday morning, and asked if we heard about Andrew, we knew it wasn't good. He and his friends were riding out at Cahuilla, and he went down hard. Was actually knocked out for awhile, and we got to ER just as they had put his shoulder back together. It was broken and had separated 6 inches. OUCH! You never know what to expect-pray for the best, plan for the worst, and I always ask God to comfort those involved, and He did. Andrew will be sore for awhile, and it will be awhile until he rides again. The bike can be fixed, but he will be faced with doctor bills-no insurance, no income-he will miss 5-6 weeks minimum of work, and is in intense pain for now. And a whole burden will be placed on our family, just like the Simons. But the same God who took them through, will take us through also. And as it brought Dave back to the Lord, He is working in Andrew's heart already. He could or should have been dead, but is alive! God's mercy first hand, and a sign of miracles for those who doubt. And the outpouring of love has been incredible. Dozens of phone calls, e-mails, and well wishes from all the lives we have touched. Friends all around the world, many we don't know, rallying in prayer, calling on God to heal. And He hears, and the process is working. It is quite a blessing to be part of such a family! Humbling to know that Jesus is with him, and always was. Even on the track. And how important it is to have love and support when in a tough situation. We are truly blessed. Maybe numbers do count.

Doug shared at our Bible study last week about the saddest funeral he ever attended. It was for his Dad, 57 years old. But that wasn't the sad part. He had lived in the same town for over 50 years, same job for 30 years-but only 5 people attended his funeral. And Doug shared not the loss of his Dad, but how his Dad had so few friends, so few only 5 people attended. Surely he had worked with hundreds, and someone has to know you after 50 years in the same town-yet only 5 showed up. Which sadly tells more about him while alive than we may care to know. For if no one shows up in death, no one showed up in life either.

Are you alone? Call your pastor. Let the church bless you as it should. Don't attend-we all know of someone who is a Christian. What a time to experience the love of Jesus Christ. But it takes you to make the call. Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart right now. He will only come in if you answer. And don't wait for a catastrophe to answer the call. He offers life right now-no matter your situation. And you can enjoy the benefits available immediately. For Christian funerals are times of celebration-we know where we are going-and the party goes on at the funeral. I have never seen a sad Christian funeral, no matter the cause of death. For in Christ we have defeated it. And will live forever.

I don't know if Doug's Dad was saved or not. But he touched very few lives. Let Jesus touch your life today. Make life count for you and those you meet. Trust God, and never be alone. For a similar warning can be "life can be dangerous or even deadly. Use caution." So live it to its fullest, with Jesus! And the celebration that follows will tell the world how He changed your life. A testimony, that even in death, testifies of a loving savior.

Share Christ while we are still alive. Live every day as it were your last-sharing the love of Jesus for all to remember. Please pray for the 5 who showed up. How many will be at your funeral? Depends on how you lived. Not how you died. With a little help from my friends.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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having the slime of your life

"100% all beef" reads the sign at your local burger stand. And even though you know there is no ham in your burger, you assume that what you are biting into is all beef. Sometimes it is, but a few weeks ago we were put on notice that "pink slime" has been being added to burgers in such bastions of culinary delight such as school cafeterias. The place where flavor always took a back seat to substance has now been found lacking in substance also. And since it is USDA regulated, we are in shock. Our government would never allow such a thing to occur! It can't be true! Say it ain't so Joe!

And as Joe chews then swallows this last bit of non-meat burger, careful not to spill any on yesterday's lunch stains on his shirt, he washes it down with 1% milk, to help the processed cheese on the burger go down easier, and then wipes his face with a 100% recycled paper napkin. It must be spring, for he usually wears long sleeves, but today a napkin must suffice. Paper waster!

Now we know that Mickey D would never use the stuff, could you imagine having to alter the anthem to a Big Mac? Two sorta beef patties-maybe that is what the special sauce has been? How about places that don't advertise 100% beef? Have we been being slimed all along? What is becoming of our All American food? The next thing you know they will be telling us the same about hot dogs! What's a person to eat? Chicken nuggets? Aren't they just parts like hot dogs, just not tube steak? Chicken-on the bone? Which makes me wonder what is the Colonel's special seasoning? Dung? Smells like it sometimes. Ever drive by a chicken ranch with your windows open? Fried in lard-which is animal fat! Are the mashies really mashies? How come all the corn on the cob is the same size? Home cooked? My mother never cooked like that! That is why we went out to eat...wasn't it? No wonder these recipes are secret-we'd never eat there!

We have not only become a generation/society of processed foods, but a generation of processes. Follow the procedures, don't get off the track, and you will be fine. Which works fine on a production line-did you know that interchangeable parts made the assembly line possible? It worked fine for Model T's, but for the food we eat? Surely this man-made process would never invade our churches? Would it? Could it? It has? No way, really?

Really. And as we approach Easter, those who only attend church on Christmas and Easter-CEO's, will get the same rehashed story of Jesus dying for our sins. Watered down for their protection by some churches. A great story, perhaps the greatest story ever told, and one which will have to have enough religion for another 6 months, for the CEO's to anxiously not await again. Maybe it is the slimed message and not the gospel some religions espouse that people are resisting? They need truth-not slime. But they too will be fed filler-things that aren't in the Bible, by many main stream churches, this is what tour church believes, which will vary from the Bible, legends and traditions passed down for generations that aren't in the Bible. Quote a great man in the denomination, it's easier. Things that Jesus never said, and that some preachers have made a career misquoting. Some will even try to include social agendas, being trendy to draw more people. We care about you. Some will have a youth type service, and then follow up via cards they left. Who were only there because their parents were there, and none of them wanted to be there. Some will not let any Christian take communion-violating Jesus commandment to do this in remembrance of me. Some will be told "not to give"when the collection plate comes around, but will because all are looking to see who doesn't. Guilt or guilty? How do you know the truth? After the pastor has told me Jesus came to set my soul free, why all the rules? This guy ain't my wife, or boss. Forget him. Does Jesus need to be regulated like fast food? Are we not more than slime? Evolutionists say we came from slime-could you be related to what you are eating? Quick-give me another chocolate Easter bunny!

The truth is Jesus came to set us free from all the above. To find freedom from sin, not in it. To show the way to God, not the way around Him. And anyone straying from the gospel is lying to you. Jesus and you must be baptized? NO! Just Jesus. He really isn't God? Sorry JW-hell awaits. Wear this cool underwear to protect you from the world. Sorry LDS, just Jesus. But the Sabbath-it's really Saturday, isn't it? Read your New Testament, the night Jesus met His disciples-all except Thomas who was still out on the streets being bold, and while the others hid upstairs Jesus appeared to them. On Sunday-and established Sunday as the Sabbath. Showing that He is more important than the day. Will Saturday get you to heaven? Friday won't either-although He died on Good Friday. And the list of slime goes on...

Seek God. Trust Him and no man. Desire only truth, which is only found in Him. Let Him fill you with His spirit, and watch as the slime in your life goes away. Make room for the real thing, Jesus Christ! 100% God, 100% savior, and 100% love-for you. Just the thought of that makes me hungry!

Maybe a burger, nah. Hold the pickle, hold the lettuce...hope they were wearing gloves. How about chicken on the bone? Nah. How about a taco-something with all the non-food groups? Chinese? No MSG here, only the finest spices and ingredients. Don't let religion process your life like it does fast food. No pink liquid needed afterwards. Choose Jesus. No slime. Just real food. For the soul. I wonder, pink slime, pink liquid, nah it couldn't be...could it?

bon appétit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

laws-they're not just for lunch anymore

Once upon a time, school teachers were good and old, refer to old black and white movies for verification. And the position made them respected. A rare combination, and available to me growing up-until 4th grade. When I got Mrs. Vanderbilt-and she got me-in more ways than one. She was the old part of good and old, and reminded me of a matronly, prison guard from Jimmy Cagney movies. She would be the matron telling the woman walking to the electric chair how to have poise-enforcing it with a stick. The one who had the law on her side. A woman who had the innate ability to suck the fun out of any situation, "you're here to learn," she made me wish for 5th grade, or to be back in 3rd. And she was able to take my favorite two parts of the day-gym and lunch and make them miserable. If she was a horse, you would have shot her.

She would leave us alone at lunch, probably to scheme with her other Hitler Youth teachers, and the teacher on duty would walk the halls and check into our classrooms in this pre-cafeteria era. And the teacher on duty wasn't looking for good, but to punish, using Gestapo tactics refined by the Nazis in WWII. So Mrs. V, and the other Hitler driven teachers, would encourage your classmates to rat you out-tattle we used to call it. Right after telling us no one liked a tattle tale. And then praise those who ratted you out. Always there word against ours, and ours was never heard. And for me and Skip-another rebel if there ever was one, Lisa was our nemesis. She sounded so sweet, and so pure, and was such a liar-or at least exaggerator. So Skip and I were always in trouble, or the illusion of it, thanks to Lisa, who took it upon herself to tell Mrs. V. "I saw Mike and Skip talking loud at lunch." My, how crimes and times have changed. And we had energy-as all 4th grade boys have, and couldn't wait to go play kickball during recess. But in Warden V.'s infinite wisdom, she took two boys who needed to get rid of their pent up energy, and made them sit during recess, after having us sit in the hall, with all the other "bad" kids that Lisa and her narc friends had ratted out. So we would go back from recess, with all the energy we had before lunch, and now a desire and a hatred of Lisa, teachers, and snitches. A lesson I never forgot. And they call that education?

You see the more laws you have, and with kids you need some, the larger the police force you need to enforce them. So they encouraged your classmates to rat you out, and then told you how good you were for doing just that. Making Lisa the most respected girl in the class by Mrs. V-funny how all her classmates hated her, and we were never polled on that. But it made those of us who ate lunch in the hall a tighter group, which when you add bitterness, is a formula for disaster. Fortunately in the pre-Kennedy assassination 60's we weren't revolutionaries yet, that was still to come. But the most important lesson this 4th grader learned was there are too many laws, uneven enforcement, and to hope that snitches would be a failing breed. If you wish to breed discontent, make another law. And that the any law, no matter how altruistic it sounded, was at best meant to control, and at worst meant to rob you of freedom. Too many cops, because of too many laws, and definitely too many Lisas. For the law brings death...

And it still does today. Politicians tell us to pay higher taxes, but neglect to pay their own. Ballplayers have a girl in each city they visit, but that's OK. Yesterday Peyton Manning signed a $96 million/5 year contract to throw a football-in the entertainment business known as the NFL, which now has become too rough, and needs to over regulated so players don't hit too hard. The opposite of what we were taught. Where have we gone wrong? Maybe Billy Jack got it right 40 years ago-"when the police break the laws we have no laws." Or as God puts it, "everyone does right in their own mind..." Only He looks at the heart. And as a woman I knew years ago from OSHA told me, "it is impossible for her to know all the laws, but I can guarantee I can walk into any business and find something wrong." This from an agency that at the time was self supporting-the only source of income was from fines. You do the math. Lisa now has an organization-from the government and it's not here to help! How do you sleep at night?

We need to turn to God and His grace. Where He doesn't expose our sin, but our sin finds itself out. Jesus is not a cop, looking to find fault and then prosecute. He came to seek and save. So when sin is exposed, we can either continue to indulge in it, or turn to God. Who is not like Mrs. V, and doesn't approve of snitches. He calls us to unite-a popular term today-in the spirit. The spirit being the key. Uniting in God! Becoming like Him. Seeing things His way, and leaning on Jesus to do it. Put drug offenders together in rehab-you get a better source for drugs. Put a group of car thieves together-you end up with a better car thief. It works in church too-put a group of people seeking God together, and the spirit is present. In fact it welcomes Lisas and offers them the same love, if only they repent like others. And the spirit guides-not forces us. No Lisa's there to rat us out, for where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. And just like the religious Pharisees who seem to inhabit some churches today, Jesus still sends them fleeing when they confront Him. Satan accuses-God forgives. You see darkness cannot stand in the light-God is light! So stand in it with Him, lean on Jesus, and avoid those who seek to rob and destroy you. Did you know that every book in the New Testament warns of false teachers, and those who seek to get between you and God? Who give a great appearance, but inside are wicked and evil? Whose thoughts are for their benefit, not yours? Using the laws they make to establish a power base, not knowing that someday the same laws will be used against them.

So live under grace-it's free. And when grace is used against you, it is from God, in love, and for your benefit. He forgives and forgets your sin-most unlike the lawgivers and those who feel they must report you for your own good. Turn to Jesus, let Him forgive you, lean on Him and enjoy His love. Where there is no condemnation, and no laws except one-to love God first, then your neighbor as yourself.

Lisa the fink was treated as she treated others. She never got it. Pleasing God is different, walk in His spirit, and enjoy the freedom. Remember He has called us to be witnesses of Him, telling others, not judges, reminding all of their falling short of the law. We can all use more love, compassion, and comfort in our lives. Seek the only one today who can provide that for you. Jesus Christ. And leave the laws behind.

Trust God, who came to seek and save-not remind and punish. As Jesus told many, "go and sin no more." Let that be your best advice today for yourself, and others. In the love that only comes via Jesus Christ.

Hey Lisa, Pharisees, and all you religious types-are you listening? Would it surprise you that God loves you too? It is not too late to change-today may be the day of your salvation-beats sitting in the hall during recess! Mrs. V never got it that in the hall we were free from Lisa. She wasn't in the hall-a bonus not revealed by us. You see, the world can provide justice in its own warped way! God's is better-grace. Your choice.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

rainy days and Mondays always get me down

The truth about the Bible is that it is truth. And when it tells us we walk by faith, not by sight-that is just what it means. If faith is the substance of things believed, but not seen, then it takes that faith to follow something we can't see, or touch, or smell, or taste-but that we know is there. And that something is really a someone. We know it is there because of the Holy Spirit-which operates in our life way beyond any sense or feelings we may ever have. He lives deep within our spirit to guide us, where it is protected, while He protects us. It takes obedience on our part, the walking part. Or in this instance, the riding part. For sometimes, we also ride by faith...

The best definition I have ever heard for faith is trusting God when there is no evidence of Him. It is that waiting time between asking and receiving in prayer that we must endure. The time when we must persevere, that we must keep going, when we hope He is there, but where? And without patience we will often accept an answer not of God, nor from Him. Just to get it over, when God has the situation in control the whole time. It is times like this that we must say to ourselves that nothing will keep me leaving the course you have laid before me. A time when we carry on, not knowing what lies ahead, just knowing God is with us. By faith, we ride...

If you have never ridden the Cumberland Gap in Maryland, it is beautiful. I had ridden it on old US 40, with twists and turns, although the road is great, the views are actually better on I-68, which after coming off the mountain turns into a two lane road-still I-68, and at one time still had a stop light. But the views from the top are awesome, and like the Smokies in Tennessee, can be very foggy. Even on a sunny day. It was a Monday, and on a ride that would take me to Jersey, from San Diego in less than 70 hours. As I approached them from the west, I had started the day in rain in Lexington, Kentucky, removed the rain suit in West Virginia, then riding I-79-what a road! Then stopped to put on my winter jacket before entering the fog, and the cold of I-68. Now I had ridden in fog before, and been in total white outs in blizzards. I had lived in real snow, not this wimpy So Cal stuff. Times and places where you lost all idea of where you were, but being in a car felt safe in your cage, at least the radio told of life, and you could see the dash. But as I entered the fog, and it got wet, and cold, the last thing I remember was a semi in the right lane just ahead of me, no vehicles in my lane ahead, and dropping from 70mph to about 45 mph. I say about 45 mph because I could not see the gauges, not even the light from them. My hands, less than 18" from my eyes were not visible. I was riding blind! And as we continued up the grade, I prayed. I had no idea where I was, where I was going, or where the semi was. I only hoped that he stayed in his lane, that no one was ahead, and that no one stopped or was going slower-I would have truly blindsided them! I hoped God had my back too. And for about 45 seconds, I kept a death grip on the bars, and also on God. I had never been so scared, or had a feeling of helplessness before. I was totally dependent on God, no money, skills, leathers, or luck was to save me now. ONLY GOD! So I kept praying-help! Help! Guide me! And He did. I just stayed in my lane, at a constant speed, and as I started to descend the hill-the fog broke! And off to my right, just where he was when we entered the fog, was the semi. And now I could see his flashers, and he waved as I went by. I was soaked, cold, a bit shaken-not stirred, but alive! God had taken me through the darkest time ever riding-a whiteout, and all I could do was thank Him. Even in the curves, He guided me. I was as wet inside as I was outside. All my skills and experience were useless that day-it took the love of God, and being obedient to Him while trusting, that He would guide my steps just like He promises. That hope and a future was only 45 seconds away-I just didn't know it at the time. Talk about eternity-I had aged in that short time! And I soon pulled over and took off my jacket, and as the truck sped I by was thankful again. What made Him stay in his lane? Was he afraid too? Did He trust God, or did it even matter, since God was protecting me? Us? Did God just throw in his protection as part of the deal? The answer is I don't know-but by faith I have to say a resounding YES!

God's promises are yea and amen. He is with you in the fog, just like Jesus is in your boat in the storm. He was there to grab Peter when he fell in the water, just reaching out and grabbing him. He provided a tree for Jonah on a hot day. He gave Gideon and his small, but fat non-fighting army a victory despite all odds. He even gave Samson one final victory, even after Samson had disobeyed God and was blind. In all cases, GOD never left them, or me. Or us. And He still hangs onto our collars, or handlebars today-many times when we don't even know it. So be encouraged as you walk in faith today. God's plan is already at work. You will win. But you will have to participate. You have to obey. Which sometimes means just hang on, be patient. Sometimes in a fog, sometimes on a clear and bright day. For God is not about situations, He is love. He is Jesus, dying for us when we still hated Him. And cursed Him right up until His death on the cross. That's love.

Trust God today. The darker or foggier, He is there. The scarier it may be-He is there. And on that cold, wet, foggy day, over Cumberland Pass He rode on a Triumph. With me. Just because He loves me. And you.

Though there be fear in the night-or fog, joy comes in the morning. Rejoice with me-about Jesus! Kicking, screaming, dragging you if He has too, or just riding with you-He will take you through the problems you face-to the other side, as promised. For we truly ride by faith, not by sight...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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