signs and wanderers

I saw an interesting sign the other day while riding in a neighborhood. It warned of a deaf child living there. Big letters that could even be seen while talking or texting. But yet I was the only one who slowed, almost getting rear ended. Her dirty look said it all. For years, we have had the sign that says "Slow children," and I have always wondered what makes them children slow? But since it is ignored, I soon expect a politically correct sign to take it's place, much in the vein of the deaf child warning. It will say "Special education children," and we will all react different to it. At least at first, for we don't want to hit anyone. We can't have no slow children here. Remember that when driving too fast where kids are next time, they may be slow, but some grow up into slow adults. I won't mention any names here, the list would be too long.

For some it is just the lack of the sense of common. Or the inability to think for themselves. When my neighbor got a new truck, his wife was upset because she had to put the key in the door to open it, but was ok after being shown how. And her son had to learn, like a nephew of mine, how to open windows. "What are these handles for Auntie?" he asked Theresa when he couldn't find the switches. But our neighbors kid had already figured them out, the salesman had explained them, and he showed them off to his friends as a novelty. "Check this out, the windows go down with these handles..." And of course, all the kids had to try.

Still don't believe the signs? When about 10, we are at my Grandparent's house, and Christopher wants to use the phone. Only he can't figure it out-it has a dial instead of buttons. But with a little instruction he mastered it, and a whole generation was saved. And of course progress had taught us it is easier to change phones yearly than keep the one given to us for life that never broke years ago. But the latest one really scares me, and these kids must be really slow. You've seen the dishwasher soap that comes in a capsule, looking like hard candy? It seems many kids are being rushed to the ER after eating it, thinking it is candy. My question is, what kind of stupid kid after putting it in his mouth, cannot immediately tell it is not candy? How much chewing, and then swallowing of this soap must he endure before he realizes it isn't candy? Maybe the radiation from cell phones does effect your brain-or at least your taste buds. Rest assured it will have a warning on it soon-do not eat. I wonder does he have a slow children marker in front of his house? So here is the newest entrepreneurial opportunity-Start a fad-make the first slow adult sign! Sell them in packs of 10! But change the graphics-why is it the slow children are seen running on the sign? Put someone on it who can't dial a phone, or roll down a window. Nostalgia and safety-hope the government isn't listening.

The Apostle Paul in Galatians was writing to some slow Christians. People who had come to Jesus, but immediately fell into religion, or went back to their own ways. They had "Jesus and do this" added to the gospel, or you must follow these rules, or pay this, or whatever. Straying under the influence to other Gods. Instead of being rooted in the gospel via teachings and good fellowship, they chose to listen to false teachers, and then followed them. To which Paul's heart broke, and after issuing a warning tells them they never knew Jesus, and sadly He never knew them. He speaks of a personal relationship, that born again instant where you are saved, and wish to know Jesus better. You truly wish to know God, but go on living like before. Listening to those no smarter than you. "Just go to church, follow a family tradition and you will be fine." Like so many are told today. And sadly the so many are wrong-as Matthew 25 tells us. Here they are bragging to Jesus what they have done for Him-not ever knowing it is what He has done for us! "We cast out demons in your name, prophesied, had book sales, special programs. We even had mission days, or sold out altogether and now we are only a missions church. Just look at our programs, and the list of good men who are our elders. We met all of our financial goals last year, we are great!" And Jesus replied, "be gone from me, I never knew you." For there is no relationship there with Him. For it is not about us and what we can do for Him, but about who He is and what He has done for us. And as I am out and talking to many others who attend these churches, maybe a "deaf Christian" sign should be placed in front of their building. They don't listen to the gospel. Or more accurately-"Slow Christians!" For they just don't get it. They have chosen to follow a religion just as dangerous as eating dishwasher soap. And are stuck with a phone and no way to call out! They can't even open their windows to call for help! Beware these people and do not fall into the same trap they did.

The truth will set you free, and is a person-Jesus Christ. He is the door, He is the one to call in times of need. Let no person, church, religion, or habit stand between you and Him. He only wants the best for you, for there are no slow Christians in heaven-just Christians. We are warned that some seek signs and wonders, yet some ignore the signs and wander. Jesus is ready to accept you right now, as you are. Tear down the signs, and get to know Him personally. Get ready to hear "well done my good and faithful servant."

God travels at the speed of light, maybe we are slow. But we don't have to be. Trust God today, and watch as your whole world brightens. God didn't send a text message, He sent His son. He made it personal. Don't you think it's about time you do too?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

are you a statistic for the minute you were born?

P.T. Barnum is quoted as saying "there is sucker born every minute." Say to fill a city the size of New York with 8 million people, it would take almost 20 years, not counting abortions. So...theoretically every twenty years you could have a new set of suckers completely replacing the suckers before it. A perpetual sucker machine if you will. And they said it couldn't be done!

Los Angeles would only take 6+ years to regenerate its population/sucker base. California every 60 years would have completely recycled its population, replacing old suckers like us with new ones-who just can't wait to be lied to, led astray, overtaxed, underpaid, and then re-elected all over again. And we are the good guys! What about the bad guys, who suck us in and rip us off? Thanks to the Internet, they have become a worldwide source now. Ever called on a credit card problem, and had the phone answered by a man in India? Or Viet Nam? Are you licensed to do business in that country? Well then why do you have to call there when you have a problem? We have more Buicks made and sold in China than the US, and Chevy trucks come from Mexico, Nissans from Tennessee, Hondas from Ohio, and Chryslers from Canada. But how many of us know all these facts? Yet we know who what wore to Whitney's funeral, and you need more evidence? Doesn't anyone read books anymore? Texters are already proving they can't spell.

I refer you to Boss Tweed and his group of scoundrels back in the 1870's in New York City. In today's dollars he embezzled over one billion dollars, yet still wasn't in jail-the public loved him. And when he was finally arrested, they couldn't understand why. Until he started protesting the political cartoons being drawn against him. "Stop them!" he said, "you're hurting my public image. Most of my constituents can't read, but they understand pictures!" Remember that thing about repeating history if you don't learn from it-sometimes it just carries on. "As seen on TV!" seems to give credit to anything. "Oprah says..." now there's truth. Quote Jerry Springer, and any other cretin let loose on TV, and stand by as the media is so biased that both sides don't tell the truth, yet refer to themselves as authorities, trusted, and fair and balanced. And this year, 2012, they all are coming out of the closet for the end of the world. It seems more planning is taking place for the end of it than there was in creating it, and definitely more than in maintaining it. 2012-Year of the Sucker.

Yet most try to avoid the truth of the Bible. They rather believe Elvis' tomb is empty rather than Jesus'. They rather believe that just because the Mayan calendar ran out, so will the world. Unfortunately no Mayans are here to comment, they were eliminated centuries ago. Alien beings from other planets, talking to ghosts on TV, and whatever plays for money has become the norm. "We don't need truth, it is too narrow," yet reality shows are the norm from repos to picking. From buying storage lockers to dating. I guess you can have it both ways if you insist upon being wrong all the time!

Even Agent Mulder knew the truth was out there. Do you? Or are you a statistic for the minute you were born? THE truth is the world is not ending, but will go through birth pangs. Not death. But God will have a new, reborn earth for those who follow Him, in truth and spirit. Not by denomination, sorry. His church of believers is called the bride of Christ, and soon, just like in Jewish tradition, He will come calling for His bride, and we will be raptured off this earth. Then the worst 7 years in the history of earth will begin. Something Buddha, Oprah, Joseph Smith, the JW's, or the Democrats will be able to save you from. But look at it like this, you will all be a common people at that time-suckers who refused to believe the truth! Just like the bumper sticker says-COEXIST! Now that's TOLERANCE! Really it is spelled compromise, or believing a lie.

God puts it like this-believing is seeing. It takes faith. It doesn't take a follower of Boss Tweed to see that. So don't be like one of his followers, failing to read and not believe about coming events in the Bible. Don't be a scoffer like those who question why isn't He here yet? Be glad He isn't, or else you would be left behind! Be glad He is as patient as you are impatient. It's your choice-stay or go? Smoking or non-smoking? Saved or lost? Wonder what the polls will say about that!

And only suckers will be left, the rest of us who were foolish enough to trust God will be gone. Like Cheers, a place where everyone knows your name-sucker. Now if that isn't wealth redistribution, I don't know what is! What if what God says is right? Can you afford to be wrong?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

all aboard

There I was, caught in a moment of weakness, and a commercial got through the TV before I could change the channel. And as I endured the 60 seconds of propaganda, the message at the end brought me new life, and gave me the solution to all our energy needs. It stated that CSX railroads could move 1 ton of freight, 500 miles, on one gallon of fuel! And there was the answer to our energy problems-we should all drive trains! Think about it, if we could get that type of mileage on something that big, just imagine what we could get on just the engine, with maybe a caboose in tow. I just have to have a red caboose. Think about it, I might never have to refuel! And then all these great industries would spring up, tracks would have to be laid everywhere, thousands would have jobs created to go to, and the economy, the energy crisis, and the future of the world would be rescued-all just by riding a train! And here was the answer, that I would have missed, if I had not been remote challenged that evening. I wonder, how many other life changing ideas I miss because I don't watch commercials? Maybe driving the train last month up in Perris was just a hint of things to come. Do you think so?

Now before you again condemn me and call me crazy, I remind you I am, or at least can be. And the sane mind will tell me, "Mike, you don't understand." And like you, we have both been told that many times in our lives, and will until we die. As if understanding ever solved anything. When my father died, people would tell me they understand how I feel. "I don't, maybe you can explain it to me," has become my answer. And these well meaning ones go away. Not understanding. You see, Jesus never promises understanding. But He does promise a peace that surpasses it, so I became a wimp about understanding years ago, and just go right for the peace. You can have your so-called understanding, I have the real peace that only comes from Jesus.

And I can back it up with the word. Not preaching, at least to others, maybe myself, but when I am confronted with things I don't know or understand, I go to things I do know-and understand. When I wonder about those who hold signs begging for food and then say God bless you, I turn to God. Who tells us that He has never seen the righteous hungry, or their children begging food. So I trust God, and eat well. When told if you don't work, you don't eat, I tell them the truth. It says won't, not don't. And God meets my needs, the way He wants-but all blessings come from Him. He meets all my needs according to His riches and glory. So why beg those who don't have, go to the rich guy-who wants to provide, makes sense.

But Mike, you don't understand. You're right, I don't. Give it up. Seek and trust God first. Sick, He is the great physician. "Well I prayed and he died anyway." Perfect healing for those who are Christians is physical death, we go to heaven. No pain or tears. "My wife just doesn't understand." And you do? It takes two, maybe you both need to change. Trust God. Having trouble with your faith in a tough situation? Jesus said we will have trials and tribulations. How's that for evidence of Him? That oughta build your faith, but not your understanding. Now that He has proven Himself-again, will you trust Him with the problem? So when the devil comes a knockin', and I see him at the door, I just turn to Jesus, and say, "it's for you." And He handles it! Why do we make life so difficult? Are you beginning to understand? Or just trust?

"But God told me NO!" Did you ever think that is because you were asking for something outside of His will? That maybe He has something better for you? A no to me means that a better yes is coming. For God has promised me that all things work to good to those who trust Him and are called to His purposes. ALL! Good and bad work for me! There may be pain in the night, or on a TV commercial, but joy comes in the morning.

You may be right, trains may not be the answer. Remember the old line when you were a kid, "when they were handing out brains, you thought they said trains-and you missed them?" Just showing the frivolity of trying to understand something. It is easier to trust, the promises are surer, the rewards greater, and if God is for you, who can come against us? God+ us is a majority! And He never loses. But isn't it enough to trust Him just because He is God? He knows the path He has set for you, for a future and a hope. Follow Him and see the path. You may find that the rails aren't always smooth, so He takes you on the road. Just like where Jesus spent time ministering-on the road. Among the people. Who will think you are crazy for following Him. But they don't know Him. They are lost. They don't get it, they just don't understand. It's up to Jesus to change their hearts, not you. So let Jesus do what He needs to do, and follow Him. Lean not on your own understanding. Good advice found in Proverbs 3:5. Godly advice. Which only works if taken.

As for my idea about solving the energy crisis, scripture does tell us "He is high and lifted up, and His train fills the temple.." Is it possible that if we just turn to God, and lift Him high, that He knows the answer? If He can save a wretch like me, miles per gallon should be no big deal. I get 40-45 mpg on my motorcycles, no energy crisis here. Maybe it was something I heard years ago...Do ya think so?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

for God so loved the world, he sent the Sears catalog

Sometimes the answer to our problems is right in front of us and we don't know it. For instance, take the billions of dollars lost each year by the post office. Go back a few years and find the exact date when Sears quit mailing out its catalogs, and I think we may have found the fault. Did anyone ever figure in the millions that Sears spent each year, mailing out their 10 pound wish books to America? Two times a year? The postage on the Christmas book alone would keep small states afloat. And all the things we shipped, parcel post, long before brown took over. Perhaps another casualty of the Internet, but maybe we lost more than postage fees when they quit printing the catalog.

The catalog was almost the perfect book. It was stout enough to be its own desk, and could provide countless nights when nothing was on TV, you didn't have a date, or you were lonely and just needed a friend. Or you had some money from your first paycheck, how can I spend it on my first car? In it you found Ted Williams, Teddy Ballgame, fighter pilot, hall of fame, telling you about the joys of fishing. You were able to influence your parents of the safety merits of an English racer, because Ted said so, and no one ever said anything bad about JC Higgins! You were able to learn math, by figuring ounces and pounds-the shipping weight, and then matching it to your shipping zone, also learning all about US geography. You learned how to fill out paperwork, as accuracy counted when filling out the order form. Color, let's see, the wrenches are chrome, right? Tires were black...Size....no room for all of them to list...and the problem solving part of your brain got an exercise too. And we all learned why you wrote in pencil!

But as we got older, and closer to the magic age of obtaining a driver's license, the brand names changed. No more Kenner, Mattel, Marx, Ideal, or Tonka. Craftsman meant something, and even though we weren't sure what all the tools were, we knew men used them, and we were almost there. Power tools, too, no more muscle, we had power! Plug me in! We learned Die Hard batteries were the best for our cars, and that Sears branded radials were made by Michelin, in Mexico. And we became sharp shoppers by using these bits of info to keep our first cars alive. But hidden from parents, but not from our teen eyes, was a section of minibikes. And being included in the Sears catalog gave us a great bargaining position with our parents, sometimes. "Dad, it says here that Ted Williams had a minibike..." But for over 20 years, in the 50's-70's, Sears also sold motorcycles in the catalog. Allstates, and they really did, I have seen them at shows. Just never knew anyone who bought one. But these Italian made, Allstate branded bikes, would be shipped to your door, still in the crate, just like the dealers. And using your Craftsman tools to assemble, you would be the most popular guy on the street, as neighbors would stop by, wanting to know what was in the crate, and then warning you how dangerous they were. Only making it more exciting, but adding another lesson to you ever increasing knowledge-metrics. It seems the bolts on your Dad's Rambler, or Ford, or Chevy were standard-1/4, 5/16, 3/8, etc. These were 6,8,10mm. We won't get into Whitworth here, no one ever fully understood them anyway. Maybe those guys in auto shop were sharper than we thought.

For the Sears catalog was more than a catalog, it was a wish book, a place to dream, and a place to make plans out of. It was America, and America could be found in it. But like most progress, it went on for too long, and now we have the Internet. Lap tops. Devices you can't take into the bathroom and read, you can't sneak under the covers after lights out, and can't use as a table top for writing. No Sears catalog ever crashed, and for years would provide a ready and willing access to the past, and an entrance way to our future. Maybe it is fitting that its demise should be responsible for the post office going broke. A part of America died with it. And us. And still there is nothing like turning the pages of a book, finding something to mark the pages, and referring to it later. How can they call it a bookmark, when it is neither a marker, and there is no book? And just when we need the Sears catalog once more, they are gone. Forever.

We never saw it coming, so we were shocked. So wake up America, for we are in jeopardy of losing another icon, one more precious than we will ever know once it is gone. For years, when travelling, older than the Sears catalog, the Gideon's have placed Bibles in motel rooms. How many times have I myself used them, and found relief after a long day. Or found solace to a nagging problem. Or reread the gospels, and was reassured that Jesus rose from the dead, and so will I someday. That God sent Him because He loves us, and we can be saved. All found in one book, provided free of charge, that is made available by men and women around the world, their mission, the great commission given by Jesus-making disciples of men.

But the Bible is illegal in many countries, and is on an endangered list here in the US of A. If God isn't welcome in school, His book isn't either. Some are only let in as "historical books," good enough for history, just not good enough for us. Or maybe too good, for the truth in it upsets those in sin. And as the Book of Mormon, and Hindu sayings, and other so called religious books are also found in these same motel rooms, the Bible can handle the competition. Can we? We lost the Sears catalog, and the identities that went with it, what will happen when we wake up and the Bibles are outlawed? Will we all be outlaws? Will right have become wrong, like the Bible teaches? Or will we just go on to something else, shopping elsewhere for salvation, and missing the only real chance to have it?

When Russia becomes China, becomes Korea, becomes India, becomes the US, where will we turn? We can still turn to God, and Jesus will still be calling for us then. So why wait, if it is too hard to trust Him now, how will you when it becomes illegal? When there are no Sunday services to miss, or Bible studies to make fun of? Where will you turn for help?

The Sears catalog was never a religious book, but we may be able to learn something about God from its passing. If we don't use what He has given us, we stand to lose the blessings. To some it was only a catalog, but to so many others, a way of life. An educational book. A place for dreams, and to dream. A place where minibikes were ok, and America shopped. It was personal. Don't let this happen to your Bible. For it is all the above, and more. It is God's word, and when gone, we all miss the chance to spend time with Him. Ask God into your life today, and let Him write His word on your heart. Spend time with Him, learn about Him, and get close to Jesus. Don't ever think it can't happen to us. It would be a sad day when you had to sneak your Bible under the covers in secret to read it. Learn its value now, before it is too late.

We only want the things we can't get...the gospel is still free and available, for now. And Bibles used to be available in the Sears catalog. The gospel is free-just like the catalogs, that are now gone forever. Don't wait before it is too late. Just ask the post office....The Bible, still the perfect book.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

vision test

With the invention of the car, a whole new era of pioneering began in America. Up until that time, for many years anything west of the Mississippi was considered to be the west. An untamed territory, where no real civilized person had any right to be, and even less desire to go. But things were about to change in a big way. A westward push would begin, and the western part of our US of A was about to change, and about to change how people live, think, and travel.

Peering across the mighty Mississippi, there would be no road to follow once the ferry deposited them on the other side. Where today we would turn up the ac, the heat could be deadly. And rain could stop them in their tracks for days. Travelling north through Salt Lake City, every spring the lake would raise up over its berm, flooding any progress of a new road. Coming to California across a desert with shifting sands, would hide the yet to come plank highway. No signs, so earlier pioneers would leave landmarks with directions. No AAA yet to guide you. San Francisco was the desirable California destination, no reason to go to a pre-Hollywood LA. And no way to get over the yet uncompleted Ridge Route separating them until 1917. They actually wanted California separated into two states at Tejon Pass. How many crossed the Rockies, only to find a sight such as the Rio Grande Gorge separating them from any further westward movement, 50 miles in either direction. It took faith, a strong will to succeed, and perseverance. It took a humility of being rescued by a horse when stuck, and paying heavily for it. So it wasn't for the faint of heart, or wallet. And weeks that could turn into months once they set out. What it took was a vision, and the desire to follow it, no matter what. To stay the course, and beat the odds. There may be some recognition at the end, or ridicule, but keeping the vision alive was the reason many pressed on. And the reason many of us still do today.

We are told that "the people die for lack of a vision." For without a promise and a direction from God, life has no meaning. For like so many early travelers, we get discouraged, and quit the first time things get tough. And blame God, this isn't what we were promised. Yet it is exactly what the Bible tells us. We get impatient waiting for the mud to dry, and frustrated when this new invention called concrete, which goes on liquid and then gets hard, will turn brittle under the weight of traffic, making travel even worse. We get frustrated when not following the directions we are told, or worse yet finding them inaccurate and getting stuck. We are ill prepared for the unknown, and have to trust people, who will inevitably let us down. And many just turn around, and suffer the agony of defeat, taking a lesser road, and live with the fact they should have stuck it out. Finding the safest, correct route is not of their own understanding, but rather found in obedience to God.

Today all of us will encounter a difficulty on the route we choose to follow. Some will quit, some complain and carry on, and some will persevere just because. Why not choose the path that God has chosen for you? Ask Him for a vision, and let Jesus set your course. Ride at His pace, and let Him guide you. It is OK to wait, or rest, for He knows what lies ahead, sometimes a simple thing like a stop sign has kept me from disaster ahead. But it takes a vision. Then trusting God with that vision, and then acting upon it in obedience. It takes a commitment-God is already committed to you, are you committed to Him? And it takes patience, and sometimes perseverance. We may give up on ourselves, but never quit on God!

Yet some will choose to ignore God, to stay a safe route, never leaving the house. And they will get old very fast. The rest of us will age, but still maintain a young attitude. You see we don't quit riding because we get old, we get old because we quit riding. And so it is with God. A true pioneer sees the obstacle and begins to figure a way around it. Those who follow God see the same obstacle, and ask Him to take them through it. The ones who stay home never get the the thrill of a victory with God.

Highway 50 across Nevada is billed as the "Loneliest Road in America." Don't let your life be like that. Follow the vision God has given you. Hills, deserts, storms, and rivers-He will help you navigate them. And be an encouragement to others. Don't let your life be a constant day of freeway exits-get on God's road and stay on it. The loneliest road will always be the one without God! With apologies to the Apostle Paul, "He who began a new road in you, will be faithful to complete it!" Don't be the one who is so blind that he will not see.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

a man's garage is his castle

I dislike the name Man Cave. Probably coined by some sissy who doesn't even ride. Or whose wife won't let him have his other nerdy friends inside. So she lets them share the garage, the only place she let his friends into, after moving out her SUV. I know men like this, and once was too often. Let's call this man cave what it is, it is a garage. And it is meant for storage of vehicles, and to park your motorcycles when not riding them, or to work on them on rainy days you can't ride. Once again a great idea gone astray. Trying to use things for a purpose other than the one God intended them for.

Growing up I lived in the land of single car garages. Where all would revolve around the family truckster parked inside it. Room for the lawn mower, kid's bikes, and other things used outside. Space was tight, but not as tight as the older, detached garage it replaced. Usually so small that even a car couldn't fit in it and close the doors too, like my neighbors with their '62 Bel Air. But it had class, with its dirt floor, and had a smell only an old building could possess, years of old oil, rain, mold, and once again, things not allowed in the house. Take a deep breath guys-ahhhhh!

Our first house we built in Colorado had a single garage. We kept the MG in it, with plenty of room for a motorcycle, while the daily drivers stayed outside with the mailman through rain, sleet, and snow. Again a single when we moved back to New Mexico, but California here we come...and no more single car garages. Two car minimum for us now, but as I look around we may be the only ones on the block who actually keep any vehicles in it. Due to accumulation of things, the new car that cost over $30 sits outside, while boxes of junk take its place in the garage. Where some have been turned into a bedroom, or a den, or worse-not sure what worse is. But not here, not at my house. Call me old school, or just school, but we keep our seven motorcycles and Theresa's Mustang in the garage-every day! Just like God planned it when he invented garages-a place for men and their cars and bikes. Women optional, but here they are on our turf, with our rules. OK dear?

One reason men have lost their garage rights is due to pressure from their wives. Do this, do that, or else may not be said, but can be implied. And men wimp out, and not just in garage matters either. I can name two women just off the top of my head who are strong Christian women, but suffer from weak Christian husbands. They have assumed, or had to assume the role as spiritual head of the house, and the home has suffered. They do not have a strong husband to go to, like God has ordained, and they must make decisions themselves. When I see either one of them, all I can see is a waste of potential, due to a weak husband. Who is not there spiritually for them when they need them. And so they always can dream of what if my husband was stronger than me? Sadly other women want to assume the superior position, also robbing joy from the home. But God made it simple...the husband is head of the house, just like Christ is head of the church. And he needs to protect his wife, just like God protects us. To keep her pure, and be the strong one, for when he is, she can become the woman of his dreams, while he becomes the man she needs. A simple Godlike formula that works. So men, let's step it up and take better care of our wives!

Treat them as a gift from God, and they will become one. Encourage them in the things of God, and watch as not only they grow, but so do you. Don't pretend to be superior, you will soon find out you are not, for it is in humility that love will grow, and that humility must come from Jesus. Who gave His life so that we may live. Love doesn't demand its own way-do you? Does yours? Maybe you deserve having your garage taken from you!

Get right with God today by getting right with your wife. Wives, honor your husbands, and set a Godly example in the home. And husbands, take notice. Grow in the grace and love of Jesus Christ together, and like us, you can always find room for another motorcycle in the garage. Maybe for her! For let me tell you , Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles-it don't get any better! Let God reign and rule in your hearts, and soon He will in your home, and even your garage.

Maybe the sign on my house says it best-"I ride, therefore I am not here!" At our house, I really need to change that to "we". For if God is the desire of your heart, He will give you the desires of yours. My wife rides, does yours? See the blue Bonneville-that's hers! Right next to mine-in the garage. Just like it oughta be.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

if the house needs paint, take her to the beauty parlor for an estimate

I was told the intro story here from the pulpit, by a Pentecostal evangelist, years ago. Who also threatened you with the wrath of God if you didn't listen to him. It is his story, but true. He begins...

Have you ever noticed in certain churches where the pastor is dressed to the 10's? He has on the latest styled suit, his hair is perfect, and has been sprayed many times to make sure it doesn't move. White shoes, white belt, and the lapels to go with it, he is stylin'. Perfect creases in his pants, double kit of course, a monogrammed shirt with cuff links, no buttons here, and he may have more invested in this one outfit than most in the pews own. He "owes" it to God's people to look good, so that his message is received better, and few leave not commenting on how good he looks. Even fewer remember the message he brought. Just what was the message is still open for discussion.

Then there is his wife. She has her long, long hair in a bun. Which hasn't been cut or trimmed in years, for religious purposes. She wears flats, black, so as to appear a lesser stature than her perfectly coiffed husband. Sometimes she is taller, can't have that. And never walks next to him, but a few steps behind. Her dress may have come from a second hand store, or is ready for one. If bought new, it probably wasn't in style then either. The style was popular once, just not among anyone with style. Its length stylishly meets the middle of her shin, no sign of knee ever to be seen, here or at home, it has no neckline, a doily collar, long sleeves with a tissue rolled up in one of them, and is usually a shade of light blue, or some other pastel. Her glasses mimic the 50's, except no retro here, making her look the same age, although she is 15-20 years younger. NO makeup, as that would upset those in the pews, she has a natural look of despair about her, a sort of pre-casket white, she would look natural if embalmed, and is usually addressed as Sister, never Mrs. She is humble, provides a good home, and secretly wants to go clothes shopping, some jeans or shorts would be so comfortable, but she could never let her husband know. It is all about him, not her, and her humility outshines his opulence. Besides, there is no more room in the clothing budget after he shops each month. It takes her 10 minutes to dress, while he is in the bathroom for an hour. Good thing they have daughters, or she would never get a chance at the bathroom.

Sound familiar? I have been in churches like this. One bringing attention to himself by being stylish, and one bringing attention to herself by NOT being stylish. I like Greg Laurie's comment on this, he of Harvest Crusade. "If the house needs painting, paint it!" Yet so many go to extremes to prove themselves holy. Like a friend told me once about watching a man with a collar in public, "good thing he wore that collar, I never would have known he was a Christian." Sad statement. Maybe an old customer named Carl said it best. He would come in once a week to have his oil checked, and would always greet us with "just dropped my wife off at the beauty parlor for an estimate." Never met his wife, but if she had a beauty budget like Carl's car budget, that may have been one whopper of an estimate.

This weekend is Memorial Day, and for many towns this means car shows. A chance for car owners to get out after a long winter, and show off their prized possessions. Some will be lovingly used, and driven to the show. But too many anymore, are trailered. And won't even drive on the dew wet grass! They have over restored their cars, with powder coated frames, towels over the upholstery so it won't fade, 21 coats of paint, then clear coats, and even pushing the car-not wanting to damage the engine by running it. The owner thinks his beautiful restoration is to be worshipped, but no car ever left any assembly line like this. It is like the pastoral example above, overdone. And no one except the owner or others who have over indulged, care for it. No one associates with it. For most others, like me, like the original ones. The ones where the paint has a certain patina. Wear marks on the pedals, and is driven regularly. It is enjoyed, and used as designed. And has been places, seen things, and been met by people. It has memories to share, and people want to listen. Bite marks on the seat cover where Jr. teethed on a family trip. Maybe a magazine between the spare and hold down, so it won't rattle. Even the decals in the window tell a story about where it has been, causing others to open up and share similar trips. And get this, maybe even a map or two in the glove box, not folded correctly, of course. Fondly invading a past, that the over restored car may have come from, but has no memory of. Been there, may have done that, just no memory of it. It has life, not sure what the other has. But not interested either.

It has been said that a well worn Bible is a good sign of a life that isn't. I like that. So here is the dare. Step out from whatever religious foothold you are snared in and trust Jesus. Just go out and be the person He wants you to be. Listen to some older saints share how it used to be. Get excited when you start making memories of your own. Get your hands dirty, too. Don't be afraid of the person next to you, just because he is different. Start clapping with the music, maybe even sing! We all notice you haven't been. True, this person's paint may be faded, but his is heart pure. His smile is contagious, and goes on after the song stops. You may want to be a great blessing to him, but he may be an even bigger blessing to you! Talk with him and find out! It is called freedom, and it only comes from the spirit.

Man looks at the outer appearance, but God looks at the heart. A pretty package more than once has made me buy a product I didn't like, or pay too much for. Don't fall into that trap. If more money has been spent on the outside than the inside, take time to re-evaluate your life. And if you care to honk and wave at those pushing their collector car onto a trailer why you drive by in yours, wear a smile. One that comes from the heart. You're having fun, all he saw was the grass on the tires, and hours of clean-up when he gets home. Just use extra napkins when you stop for a sundae, and talk about how much fun you had at the show. And if your wife needs an estimate at the beauty parlor, invest in it. Maintenance is still cheaper than repairs. May just improve the heart too. And from where you stand, she just might look prettier than the day you met her. Again, more precious memories.

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but true beauty comes from the heart of God. From within. In church as well as car shows, we always can associate more with those with a little wear on the paint, and some dirt on the tires. Which are not an option, but only found from having been there. They come from life. So go out and live, make some memories today. If Jesus could write in it, it should be good enough to walk in! And leave the hairspray at home.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---