press 1 for customer service

I want to go on record that I am not a fan of press 1 for English, press 2 for another long list of things I don’t want, and press 3 before I wish I could reach through the phone and choke someone.  Can I get an AMEN?  Thanks.  I also am not on Facebook, I don’t Twitter, and you can have your so called social media.  I want a face to face, or at least a voice to voice.  I am not afraid to speak my mind, and call a spade a dirty shovel.  I wonder about those who can’t spell and text, yet cannot hold a conversation face to face.  And what ever happened to good old customer service, where you got a real person, as I sit here chatting because my phones don’t work.  And after following all the directions, they still can’t fix it.  It just isn’t the same chewing someone out in texting-no capital letters are big enough to express the frustration and hatred I am experiencing, another AMEN!  Probably nothing worse than a machine that doesn’t work, or being misunderstood.  I need someone to listen to me.  So I ask, where have all the people gone?

When sin separated us from God, He instituted priests as intermediaries, so we could still talk with Him, through them.  And many so today, instead of pressing  1 for English, they go to church, read a devotion, or contact the priest.  All good, but nothing as good as a face to face with God.  So we pray, but sometimes it is one way, we talk, hope He listens, then go back to our regularly scheduled program.  Never waiting for the answer, then claiming God doesn’t listen.  Just like ending your text when the light turns green and you drive away, your attention goes elsewhere, away from God.  Eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel...or are they?  We get confused when we try to bring God to our level, rather than going to His.  And because we either wouldn’t, couldn’t, or might not, He sent Jesus, so we can have that direct line to Him.  24/7, no standing by, no PIN to forget, just a one way to God, no make that a two way to God, for a conversation isn’t one unless both talk and listen.  Are you, or are you still talking?  God hears, do you?  Think about it, if He had said He who has a tongue let him speak, we all would.  But we do, anyway.  But He told us he who has an ear let him hear...are we?  Take some time and listen, God is talking to you.  In whatever language you speak, do you speak His?

His language is simple, one of love, forgiveness, mercy and grace.  A language anyone can understand.  He is above social media, can you imagine the billions on His Facebook page?  So why do we live a life with God based on texting, when we can talk with Him direct?  Without the priest?  What are we afraid of?  Maybe hearing from Him?  But isn’t that why we pray?  He knows your name, and will not confuse you with any one else.  So don’t confuse Him with any other gods.  He is the only true God, and His name is Jesus.  First name basis, how’s that? And He is standing by waiting to hear from you, any conversation will be fine, some of my best times have been telling Him all about a ride I took, and finding it turns into praise.  A real person, on both ends, who cares to listen, and has great words for me.  Better than pressing 1 for English, or 2 for wait 15 minutes in a queue.  I get right through to Him, that should make you feel important!

There are a lot of people out there afraid to call a spade a dirty shovel.  My shovel is dirty, it gets used.  And it needs help from its maker, God.  I am that dirty shovel, but washed clean by Jesus, yet just being in this world makes me dirty.  Talk to God today about your dirt, let Him clean you up.  Maybe show you a better way so you don’t get dirty from the world around you.  But knowing He is there, and listens, let us take the same attitude. 

So save someone’s life today, introduce them to Jesus, by your thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes.  Just before you want to choke them.  The world is out to get you, God isn’t.  It is a battlefield, but read the end-we win!  Live that victory today, for it is assured.  Don’t be taken a prisoner by the things of the world...more press 1.  Go right to Jesus.  The best customer service ever.  But listen to His instructions, then don’t lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. 

Don’t hide behind your monitor any more.  Come face to face with Jesus.  Where all the saved people go.  Sinners too.  Either way you are welcome here.  Try that without a PIN.  Or forgetting your password.  Jesus Christ, the person of God in the flesh.  Help don’t get any better than that.  Technology will never catch up to knowing Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the choice of a lifetime

I sat with a man yesterday who after giving his life to Jesus, turned his back on Him for 43 years.  Now in the hospital, very sick, he was repenting and turning back to Him.  Jesus never left him, but he had turned his back on God.  A choice he made many years ago returning, after another bad one had led him away from God.  A prodigal in the strongest sense, as we were all lost, but only God gives us the choice of salvation.  But as I listened to this man, he had a problem forgiving himself, even thought the God of the universe had.  His name was written in the Book of Life, he just never cashed in on the benefits of it during those years.  Instead the choices he made led to destruction, not immediately, but over the years it all added up.  And now he as repenting, turning back to Jesus...and one good choice would restore him, just as one bad choice had almost destroyed him.

We all make bad choices from time to time.  Ever had a bad blind date?  Ate a piece of bad fruit?  Bought a Honda?  Cheered for the Chargers?  Bad choices maybe, but not life threatening.  It is been said we make over 8000 choices everyday, reading this is one.  Considering that is another.  Reading on is another.  See how easy they add up.  Oops, another,  And so it goes.  But in every life, everyone will at some time be faced with who Jesus is, and that choice will have eternal consequences.

The word prodigal means useless, and in the parable of the prodigal son, we all can relate to the son who took his inheritance, blew it on good times, then had to repent.  Noting that while still far away, his father saw him, and ran to him.  Something fathers didn’t do back then, especially to sons who had abandoned them, especially running in a long robe.  But yet we see God running to us, excited to see us return to Him.  Which is why He sent Jesus to be the way.  And we can only imagine how the father felt everyday not knowing where his son was, wishing and hoping he would return home.  While the other son, stayed home.  Worked the ranch, and seemingly honored his father by not leaving like his brother did.  But we see his true heart, at the end when he is hateful to the repenting brother.  It seems he is the useless one, and was all the time, just waiting for his father to die to inherit.  Failing to realize like his father later told him, that his inheritance was there the whole time, all he need to do was ask.  It was available all the time, his choice to hate made him bitter, and he never enjoyed the love of his father like his repentant brother did.  Both brothers made choices, bad choices, only one realized he had, and turned back to his father.  A parable showing us the love that God has for us, no matter the situation, and as long as we are His sons and daughters, the inheritance is there for the enjoying right now.  Both made the choice of a lifestyle, but one later choice was the choice of a lifetime.  We have all fallen short of the glory of God, and need to repent.  Some are sorry, but never repent, never turn to God, and stumble their entire life, becoming bitter like the stay at home brother.  Some others are truly sorry, truly repent, and go on with God.  Yet some think God can never forgive, and live a miserable life, ending in a miserable death, ending in an eternity in hell they didn’t have to have.  Their choice, not God’s.  He wants all to repent, that is why He is patient.  Why we see salvation in jails, hospitals, war zones, and even in churches.  Where we see robbers, thieves, hookers, bikers, junkies, and dealers saved by Jesus Christ.  Same with nerds, brainiacs, soccer moms, and those that don’t ride.  God is patient for all to come to repentance....so what is your choice?  Saying nothing is saying no!  None are exempt from the gates of hell except those that are saved in Christ.  And it isn’t the gates that keep you out-it is Jesus!

43 years is a lifetime.  This man was ready to retire, for his entire working life he did it on his own.  Only in his retirement years did he stop to consider God again, and the promises.  We don’t know how long it took for the son to return home, many years are implied, yet his father waited patiently.  While his brother became more selfish and bitter everyday.  Sin at both ends.  So your choice is....Consider Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty.  He was the starting quarterback ahead of Terry Bradshaw who led the Steelers to 4 Super Bowl victories.  But his decision to stay and hunt and fish, eventually made him a millionaire, and a spokesman for God.  His choice not only impacted him and his family, but Terry’s life also.  We don’t know how many will be effected by our choices, so choose God and make the right choice.  Two brothers, two choices, one father.  Two quarterbacks, two choices, one heavenly father.  One brother accepted forgiveness, the other resented it.  For God so loved the world He gave His only son...what are you willing to give in order to gain eternity?  Are you willing to ask God now to forgive you?  Prodigal?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

exceptions to the rule

Here is a quick quiz, just to see how smart you are, or think you are, or should be.  Here goes...You buy a new car on the 15th of May, 2010.  It comes with a 4 year, aka 48 month warranty, or 50,000 miles-whichever comes first.  If you don’t exceed the miles, what date does your car warranty expire?  Tic...tic...tic...times up.  If you said May 15th, 2014, you are out of warranty, by one day.  Your warranty expired on May 14th at midnight, sorry.  And so the language of contracts goes, at least in the automotive world.  But of course there are exceptions to the rule.  First if you bought an extended warranty, you may be out of the woods, but only for covered items, that must be mentioned by name.  After a deductible, they pay the balance.  But what if your warrantee really has expired, who do you turn to to plead your case?  First the dealer, who has a special list of requirements to help out, to provide goodwill in the situation.  If out by time, did you make the appointment while still in warranty?  Did you buy the car from us, service it from us as scheduled?  Loyalty is a big thing to dealers.  Do you know someone at the manufacturer?  Do you play for the Chargers or Padres?  Are you looking to buy another?  Are you related by family to someone that works here?  And the list can be endless...so manufacturers have come up with goodwill, allowing cars out of warranty to be repaired as if under warranty.  Known problems will be handled, persistent people will be helped-sometimes, and sometimes without even asking, we would help a person out.  But those who owned the Mercedes Benz had become familiar with the goodwill situation, and never hesitated to use it.  Or at least ask for it.   Proving that lunch may not always be free, but if you wait awhile it may be discounted.

And it seemed the higher the income level, the more they groveled.  Some would outright beg.  Yes we know you make $3 million per year, and yes the part is $50-maybe we can meet in the middle.  You pay the $50, and we’ll call it even.  And lawyers were the worst, would you trust an attorney who asked you to break the law?  Try that one in court counselor?  And the one time I accepted a man’s offer to trade, he screwed me, or tried to.  Only my firm affirmation that everyone at the dealer, where he liked to hang out, would be told how he lied to me the next morning kept him honest, or at least as honest as he could be.  So there are exceptions to the rule...sometimes.

Working parts takes a talented individual, and one who must read the details and footnotes.  Looking up a part for a car, and it says built after May 1st, 2010, means build dates of May 2nd and newer.  So when confusion ruled, they changed the wording to built on May 2nd and after...no doubt there, right?  Same with VIN codes, and other questions he may ask you...all cars have a VIN for a reason, which tells the build date.  Very important as we now know.  NO exceptions there, square pegs will only fit in round holes with a bigger hammer, don’t force it, do it right the first time.  Suddenly that goofy, tattooed, smelly geek across the parts counter isn’t so stupid after all.  You are.  And they never forget.

There are no exceptions to God, but there are some exceptional people.  You MUST be born again to enter the kingdom of God.  No exceptions.  We are not all God’s children, but only those who accept Him, the Him being Jesus Christ.  So God has made it easy, no dates, scores, or exceptions.  And since it is a gift you cannot earn, be glad God doesn’t mark on the curve.  Suppose it took 100% to get into heaven-no one would ever have made it.  Suppose 90%, or a A.  But what if you only got an 89-and you didn’t?  Yet some people within churches will tell you these falsehoods, aka lies.  And soon we have whole churches espousing them, then whole denominations.  When God has made it simple.  So sorry JW, LDS, and others who deny the deity of Jesus Christ, or believe it is based on how well you do.  It is all about Jesus, the 100% grade you never could get, and He gives it freely.  And His forgiveness goes on forever-you are forgiven for all time, every time, the first time you ask.  But it is always a good thing to confess sins to God, as they will continue to happen, not for salvation, or forgiveness, but to stay mentally clean with God.  Like working out, keep your walk strong, as God says.  Daily.  Miss a day, pick up where you left off...but keep on keeping on. And there are no exceptions to the rules, that wouldn’t be love, and no special cases, or goodwill... You mean free salvation isn’t enough?  So accept Christ today, and follow Him, and you won’t fall into the trap set out before you to trip you up.  Funny how most of the New Testament warns of false teachers, and 2 John is all about it.  Stay with what you know, and when you know Jesus, you have made the right choice.

And take it further, showing His love to others, as He has forgiven you.   A true sign that you belong to Him.  And keeping in mind that God makes no exceptions, plays no favorites, but that you can still be exceptional and a witness for God.  Doing it for Him, making it all about Jesus...the rest comes easy.  Or at  least not as hard.  For tough times will come, but our God is tougher, stronger, mightier, and more loving.  Remember Maxwell Smart, Agent 86, “missed by that much,” but you still missed.  So go with Jesus, and you will never miss.  Oh, you may come close, but you will never miss heaven.  What promise have you come to believe?  Stick to God’s truth-exceptional rewards for those who are less than exceptional.  With no exceptions.  He knows your name, do you know His?  Stop and think, what exception is there to love?  And would you want it?  Choose Jesus, show just how smart you really are.  No deductible, no cards to carry, no books to pass out, or bikes to ride.  Start now...go on forever.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

where are all the Charger shirts today?

LOST-temporary football fans of professional football team in America’s Finest City.  Last seen wearing team jerseys, some with numbers.  Last seen in local bars and restaurants, no one knows their whereabouts now.  Sudden disappearance after Sunday’s games loss.  If found, please don’t return them-real fans needed.  Apply to Qualcomm Stadium, part time position.  Bring shirts.

And so it goes, another season of hopes, dreams, folly, and fake enthusiasm for the Chargers is over.  And the endless supply of whining and excuse making has begun.  True fans never whine, they support.  Maybe it is the team, a team plagued by a quarterback, Phillip”who never delivers” Rivers, and his band of hopefuls.  Believing the press, just not translated to victory on the field.  A team that was only in the playoffs because of a blown call in the last game of the season, and whose fan base multiplied because they were in the playoffs.  Where were these fans when they needed to sell out to be televised?  Try that one in Oakland.  Why is it whenever the team’s owners don’t get their way, they threaten to go to LA-why don’t we let them?  Can you see the Chargers in baby blues in LA?  It was too tough for the Raiders in black!  But every year America’s Finest City is help hostage again, with the hope that temporarily enough fans will show up to support them.  Maybe they should look to Green Bay, where the fans own the team-for some real leadership.  And ask yourself, why did Eli Manning tell San Diego he wouldn’t play for them if drafted?  The pressures of the NY press were easy to take against the apathy of San Diego.  And he has only been the MVP twice in two Super Bowls.  Watched on TV by Charger fans.  So why is it that the Chargers never seem to measure up-is it the team, or it it the fans?  Which came first, the chicken or the egg?  The chicken-says so right here in Genesis.  So it starts with the team-or is it chicken fans?  Where are all the Charger shirts we saw everyone wearing last Friday, on this sunny Monday morning?  Put away with the Bolo ties for another 4 years.  Ask yourself, what self respecting fan wears bolos, they are for cowboys-and not just in Dallas.  Perhaps the real price of fan loyalty will be found on Ebay later this month, when Charger memorabilia will be sold for cheap to buy new surf boards and sun tan lotion.  Trendy yuppies-just like San Diego football-no depth at all-but for a few weeks....

Life has shown us a great admiration for those who have great stats.  But great stats don’t win games, outscoring the opponent does.  And although great stats may mean a bonus for next year’s contract, we still play the game to win.  I think.  And while so many in the warm weather will talk of how many yards Rivers threw for, how many yards #24 had, they too will be watching the Super Bowl at home, along with their few remaining fans.  Try that one in New England, in below zero temps.  Try that one in Dallas...fans to the end.  Remember the Alamo?  Sorry, that was San Antonio.  Bear fans, Saint fans, who have something to cheer about, a quarterback and running back cast off from here, who just happened to win a Super Bowl there.  What about the Seahawks and their 12th man fan base?  Too much latte-it certainly isn’t the uniforms.  And it is repeated in towns like Washington, DC, Chicago, Miami, Pittsburg, and San Francisco.  Just not here...

Temporary fans are nothing new, even outside of football.  In the pre-NFL days of Jesus, the week of Passover He was led into town victoriously.  Parties everywhere, t-shirt sales must have been booming.  The King is coming-the King is here.  God heard our prayers, and He has sent us a savior.  But one week later, just before the big game, they turned on Him.  You see they wanted a victory over the Romans, freedom from the physical, not the spiritual.  The disciples were even made up of men who were anarchists, wanting to overthrow the Roman government.  And then there was Jesus.  And soon all the fake fans, the last week fans were gone, turned against Him, cheering for the local government team, in hope that they wouldn’t be remembered with Him.  Even the night before His death, Peter, leader and tough guy, was talked down by a teen age girl.  And the night after His death, 10 of the remaining 11 were to be found hiding out in the upper room, doors locked, afraid for their lives.  All but one, who was later mislabelled as a Doubter, it was Thomas out looking for His Lord, looking for answers.  He wanted proof...he got a bad rap.  No temporary fan he.  What made these men huddle together, and then go out changing the world like no others since? What was it that made John the Beloved from John, the brother of James, the Sons of Thunder, anarchists.  What made the others devote themselves to Jesus, despite threats of death, and finally all being martyred to death.  Sewn in half, crucified upside down, flayed alive, with only John dying of old age-after being boiled alive in oil, and left to die on Patmos.  What was it that made them loyal fans?  Was it the shirts?  The stickers?  Maybe the banners, or a relaxed Friday where they all dressed in home colors?  Or was it something unseen, that the part time fans didn’t see...but that can only be seen in the spirit?

Many lost fans of Jesus out there today.  Part timers, going with the trend, whatever makes them feel good.  Yuppie theology, gotta look good.  But without a change of heart, without the touch of the Holy Spirit, you are just hiding out, maybe not in an upper room, maybe in plain sight, just with others like you so you aren’t noticed.  Maybe even in a Chargers shirt-hoping for next season.  But how many are really looking for Jesus like Thomas was?  Who were not found hiding, who want proof before they make a commitment?  And who, when they do, are fans for life?  If Jesus ran an ad for the missing followers, the fans, how would you respond?  Would you even respond?  How many will pick up their cross and follow Jesus, knowing that every game will not be a victory, but that you will win in the Super Bowl of life?  Just one game-but it takes a lifetime of seasons to get there.  Some will put up stats, gaining praise from fellow members, but missing God.  Some will struggle and barely get in, but will still get in.  Fans to the end.  So where are all the Charger shirts today?  Better yet, where is your witness of Jesus?  Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.  True fans never leave.  See ad above. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

blame it on the radio

Ray and I have decided we are not getting old, but we are getting older.  We both love to ride, and at 70 Ray still rides 100 consistently, and has been 175 real mph on his Hayabusa.  Not speedo speed, but engine speed, a faster and better man than I.  But he also rides a Gold Wing, listening to the radio, for which we harass him, as we should.  What speed junkie listens to the radio while riding?  Of course who else rides a Wing as fast as he does, or corners it so well?  I guess we can forgive him.  But we tend to agree, those of us who really ride, not for the lifestyle of it, that radios are not for bikes, they belong at home or in cars.  Ever hear the sound of a Triumph triple at speed, music the ears.  Same with a Harley throttle opened up.  We used to tell what was coming by the sound the engine made, now dressers brag about the power of the sound system rather than the power the motor makes.  How far we have fallen...

Years back when I was bound by an occasional group ride, I now do group rides of one which are more fun and entertaining, we had a road captain who was more road apple when it came to riding.  When leading he would jump from 60 to 80, then drop to 50, all with an open road, and no reason to slow down.  No consistency other than his inconsistent speed, and he drove many crazy, and the crowd dropped.  But being curious as to why he didn’t know how to ride, I rode close to him on one ride, and you could hear his distorted loud music over his open pipes.  And as the song got faster, he sped up, as it slowed, so did he.  Try following him to Free Bird some time, this guy was riding to the music!  And now we know just how fast some classic songs really are, at least through his riding skills, reinforcing that no one needs a radio on a motorcycle.  Picture this one if you can, “sorry officer, I was just listening to the radio, and I sped up at the fast point in the song”...tell that one to the judge.  But he did, and I don’t know if he does anymore, my throttle hand is connected to a motor, not a sound system.  Do we see a problem here?

Turn off the radio!  Pay attention to your riding!  It may save your life, or a fellow rider’s, or keep you from eventually riding alone.  But yet today, so many are into the sound systems, and even Harley on their water cooled Ultra, aka the Shower Head, brags about a 6.5 inch screen for the sound system-more screen than suspension travel!  How far have we really come?  And where are we going?  We now have Bluetooth in helmets, surround speakers on Gold Wings, and cruise control-I will admit I have fallen prey to this one, and CD players and the list goes on.  On the recent 2014 Triumph Explorer I rode, it has cruise, adjustable suspension, traction control, programmable ABS, and a computer that tells me average mpg, speed, fuel left till empty, time riding, and all this on a motorcycle designed to be ridden off road!  Have we become slaves to progress, or slaves to a little box controlling our lives?  Strangely enough, riding my Bonneville yesterday, which has none of these things, I missed it.  No ambient temperature gauge, no clock-I was left to my own decisions-with no one else to blame if I went too fast, or got there l late.  I even had to switch my petcock over manually when I went on reserve-at 80 mph!  I could even tell how fast I was going by the speedo.  I knew it was cold because I needed a jacket and gloves.  My wrist controlled the power, and the exhaust note sang the song, and I could concentrate-meditate on the Lord.  No device ever made can replace that!  And I did it all without missing a beat...have we finally discovered the problem and it is us?

I am not against safety devices, but today in new cars that will parallel park themselves, tell you when they need servicing, brake for you, and adjust your speed for the conditions-automatically, we have improved everything but the driver.  And unless talking on a cell phone with car load of kids is a skill, we have lost many of them.  And when I see drivers like this, I used to blame them, but someone drove with them while they took their test and passed them-blame them!  And some parent let their kid out and texts while driving, just like they learned from Mom.  Turn signals don’t look for a place to turn, they warn you I am turning in front of you-look out.  And don’t get me started about parking lot druids who will block traffic, waiting for a space to empty, rather than walk another 20 feet.  Texting about the space they found.  At least in Sagg Harbor, NY they had real bodies who alerted you to open parking spaces, but then again the rich are different.  So where is all this leading? 

Consider Moses for a moment...who led millions of people, thousands of miles of 40 years.  And he somehow did it without a GPS, he didn’t get lost, never missed an exit for food and gas.  Talk about a group ride, this poor guy did it all without any technology other than God.  How uncool was he?  So uncool the people complained about the food.  They didn’t like the 10 Commandments, and finally when Moses got so upset he smote a rock, God told him “ no entry for you to the promised land.”  Talk about a road trip, but consider your trip with God today.  Who is leading who?  How many just reset their GPS when they get lost?  When they could trust God to get them where they are going-safely?  How many listen to so much Christian radio they know all the teachers, and the teachings, yet don’t know the God that inspires them?  How many set their life on cruise, and then when trouble strikes blame God?  Or worse yet, turn Him off completely when there is nothing about Him on today that they are interested in?  Maybe it is a good thing Moses had no radio, I can see them arguing over to listen to, “oh no not more Classic Abraham again?”  Speeding up and slowing down to the music.  But there is a choice we have-we can tune into Jesus, and find direction, purpose, and a way back to God unavailable anywhere else.  A way of love, and forgiveness, personified by of all people Peter.  Who made many bad choices, even being intimidated by a teenaged girl, good thing  she never texted her friends about him, but always kept going, not looking back, but looking to Christ.  He understood that he who sins more is forgiven more, and followed Jesus to places he never would have travelled on his own. 

Are you listening to the music or the Lord?  Are you hard to follow, because you are following your own song?  Has progress impeded your spiritual growth?  Blame it on the radio...and turn it off.  Turn to Jesus instead, the original Classic Rock.  He is the Rock, and listen to the music He brings into your life.  He can be heard at 100 mph, or while sitting at a light.  You can hear His voice clearly why talking with your kids, rather than fighting to talk over their DVD.  You can learn to walk with Him, in Him, rather than hear a replay later.  You can make the same trip Moses did, except enter the promised land when you die.  All by listening to Jesus...worth a try maybe?  We are all getting older, but don’t need to get old.  We can be kids forever in Christ. A choice I like.  Never getting old, still going places, still pushing the envelope, and enjoying life.  Behind handlebars instead of in front of a screen.  Where your eyes go, you will follow, and what is on your heart will come out of your mouth.  Sadly what is on your radio may speak louder and say more, trust Jesus today.  Ultimate technology, ultimate life.  Ultimate God.  Anything else may just be a recording.  Blame it on the radio.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

built to a price

There is much talk today among those of us who ride about the new 2014 Yamaha YZ-09.  A bike that seems to be modeled after Triumph’s Street Triple, three cylinder, hooligan looks, but in a 900cc vs. a 675 cc engine, it has drawn initial praise from the press, and discounting some styling quirks, it should do well.  Especially when it is priced at only $7990, a full $1400 less than buying the Striple.  But if you buy for price, you may come up short, for it has been purposely built to a price, and when one magazine compared it to the Striple, they favored it.  But when doing a bike swap at Mick’s, I talked with two guys who ride, one writes for another motorcycle publication, and the other at age 70 still has very few who can keep up with him.  He had just done 300 miles on it the day before with his grandson, who writes for another publication, and is recognized as among the fastest riders out there.  So listening I was amazed at their take on the FZ.  Both liked the power, 900cc in 450 pounds should be sufficient, but unlike the first road test done, by a magazine notorious for pushing the envelope of truth for ad dollars, these two experienced riders/writers were honest about it.  The bike is built to a price, and even with upgraded radial brakes, and ride by wire, with three modes, the fuel injection is off, making it hard to ride.  And the suspension is poor, making them both want to get off and ride something else.  Now true this is an entry level priced bike, but why torture the new rider when a better suspension is available, albeit for more money?  And in a class where the customer base will be more interested in his monthly payment, for an extra $20/month, he can have his riding time satisfied.  Which forces him to either park the bike, trade the bike, losing his shirt-if it is low to purchase, there will be no trade in value, or upgrade the suspension.  And by doing so pushes it into Striple territory, but with the aggravation he wouldn’t have had if he had bought after a road test, and not based on price or an article based on attracting ad dollars.  Too many have fallen for a pretty face, or pretty words, only to be disappointed in real life.  It happens to all brands, look at all the newer Harleys traded in at Jap stores, when the new rubs off, the payments continue until something is done about it.

Curiously the letters to the editor on this first road test rave about the bike, but had never ridden one themselves.  The power of the press, and the written word.  But also the power of real life setting in when buying something built to a price.  Now no one wants to spend too much, but we don’t mind spending a little more to get what we want, or is advertised.So again it is a buyer beware market, just as life is.  Taking into account that no manufacturer wants to purposely build a bad product, but somewhere an upper manager signs off, it goes to marketing, and it will get ridden and reviewed.  Knowing what he has signed off on, leaving it up to the press intro and gourmet food and too much wine to influence the writers/riders.  The market place can be a tough place to find the truth out.  Ya pays yer money, and ya takes yer chances. 

Over the years I have attended many churches, some new, some established.  The new churches all having one thing in common, which the old ones did when they started.  They saw a better way to do something, and set out to change it.  Not necessarily breaking the rules, but maybe bending then to fit their own criteria.  Religion built to a price if you will, when it is not all about Jesus, there will be compromises, and a penalty paid.  Talking with Fr. Al, now in heaven, he once told me about his Catholic friends who told him he wasn’t Catholic enough.  He could speak 5 languages fluently, do any mass in Latin, knew all the catichisms, and before he died was a bishop.  Not Catholic enough?  He smiled.   Then he told me about his Born Again friends, who told him he didn’t spend enough time in the New Testament, where Jesus is.  “But I love the Psalms,” he explained, and Jesus is found in every book of the Bible, the 4th word in Genesis, In the beginning GOD,speaks of Him.  All this about a man who was always in trouble with the Catholic church for giving communion to non-Catholics-we all have Jesus, and at his death was working to buy up old churches in decaying towns so the people could have a place to worship, each denomination their own service!  And had opened the chapel on Sunday afternoons for worship teams to play from all churches, with a healing service after!  Maybe his friends were right-they just got it all wrong.  Jesus didn’t set the standard, He is the standard, it is only in religion we find Him compromised, or brought down in value to a price.  Like the sign says, Walmart is not the only saving place.  But who wants a discounted God when you can have the whole God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for less? 

Beware of clever slogans, clever sermons, and flowery praise.  More than once I have been seduced by a pretty face, or a promise of a fast ride.  Don’t buy for price, or for a payment.  You’ll ultimately give something else up.  I have yet to ride the FZ-09 myself, so I reserve judgment, but having ridden and owned Striples, I am riding the standard instead of riding a compromise built to a price.  I like to think the same way about my God, the standard, as opposed to a compromise.  We can all worship at different houses of worship, aka churches, but we need to keep focused on the one true God, and His son, Jesus.  A few adjustments to any bike can make it better, don’t go the same route with Jesus.  Why compromise when you don’t have to.  Take the Fr. Al approach, it is all about Jesus.  Get to know Jesus, don’t believe the ads.  Road test Him yourself, then make the choice.  And you will find there is nothing like the real thing.  Works for motorcycles, it should work with God too.  You will get what you pay for, not always what you expect.  Sometimes it is better.

love with compassion,

Mike

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