bragging rights

Money talks, and after watching the Mecum Collector Car Auction this weekend, I found it also rides and drives.  And those with the loudest wallets spend the loudest.  Some records were set, $7 million for a 1964 Ford GT40 prototype, and $50,000 for a 1971 Husqvarna 250.  Once owned by Steve McQueen, it brought over 10 times what a non-famous owner one did, buying the new owner bragging rights to his bike, and being able to say he has one and you don’t.  For only $50k-such a deal!  But many other memories were purchased and realized this weekend, as those who came to seek and find did, those who came to seek and buy went home with new vehicles.  But sadly the highest priced ones, the exclusive ones, the most desired ones will never be driven, they are trailer queens, much different from Steve McQueen’s, who used to ride all his old bikes.  An attitude I like myself, as I ride my collectible Suzuki GS1000 monthly.  What good is it if it can’t be ridden, I bought it for fun, it just happens to appreciate every year.  But full appreciation is never realized until it is sold, and the new owner gets to show off to his friends, giving him the new bragging rights.  And setting the true value of the object, whether it be cars, motorcycles, art, or dreams as what you pay for them.  And this weekend many dreams were realized, while others found the buy in price still unobtainable.  But then there is always the next auction, or a for sale sign waiting for us to inquire.  But yet the dreams continue, as the cost of buying into them goes up, and many seem forever out of reach.

But yet many cars traded for obtainable amounts.  Corvettes from $7250, a daily driver, to the 1967 with just 2996 original miles for $725.000-guess which one gets the most space in the garage tonight.  You may be surprised that the guy who spent the least may have gotten the most, for he will be out driving his car, spending time waxing it and keeping it in tune, rather than locking it up where no one can see or touch it.  And for less than a used Hyundai, has something fun to drive, and still to impress his friends with.  And with all the excitement of the auction, goes home with a story to tell, of how he outbid everyone else and won the car.  For a price, of course.  And the same thrill of hearing he won the bidding war...a victory at any price. 

Now not all things are collectible, and some are just important to their owners.  I have the first bottle of diet Coke produced by Durango Coca Cola Bottling, and signed by the crew.  No value to anyone but me, it sits but I have one, do you?  And it is more important to say I have the first as opposed to the one sitting in the fridge waiting to be consumed when thirsty.  One refreshes the thirst, the other the memory.  Each one at a price, but for a different purpose.  And so bragging rights come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and prices...with the tag line “I have one and you don’t” making whatever the price worthwhile.  It being Easter this Sunday, I am reminded of the Roman troops drawing lots to see who got the robe of Jesus.  Now whether it was rock-paper-scissors, short straws, or rank winning out, I wonder why would they want this poor man’s clothes?  What could they be worth to anyone?  And what did his wife say when he brought them home?  “You got these where?  And you want me to wash them with the other clothes?”  So what were these men thinking, what made them do it?  We never know, but just for instance, may help you look at yourself in Christ in a different way.  So many who don’t know Jesus still wear crosses around their necks-very trendy.  But how many would still wear them if persecuted for it?  How many by wearing one show this is the only relationship they have with Him?  As if it kept evil and vampires away?  But yet so many use the icon of the cross, in vain.  So if you wear one, why?  Can you share the gospel if asked?  Or is it just a pretty bling item in your wardrobe?  To Jesus the cross meant death and horror, to us it means salvation.  Not to be taken and worn without value.  It points to Jesus, who always points to His Father in heaven, and the way for us to be reunited with Him in heaven some day.  But when we come to Christ, we also see how He bartered for us with His very life, and when we repent and accept Jesus as Lord we win the auction.  We won the auction, He lost His life.  And He has the bragging rights to our souls, for only Jesus saves.  And He isn’t a trailer queen only driven on Sundays.  He is not just among the wealthy or privileged, He is there for everyone, and anyone who calls on His name.  That day at the cross, some men bargained for His clothes, but were unwilling to bargain for His life.  Or theirs.  They were that close to Jesus, on the most important day of His life, and they blew it.  The originals who could say “been there, done that, and I have the shirt to prove it.”  But missed out on why and who. 

Today you can choose who you serve, a well manicured God who dresses nice on Sundays for all to see, or one who hung on the cross.  Who got down in the dirt with sinners, who paid the ultimate price for bragging rights for your soul.  And who will guarantee your safety into eternity, and beyond.  What auction of souls can promise what Jesus did and does?  Maybe that is why Jesus will still wear His scars in heaven, so we can see the road He took for us.  An all original Jesus, no replacement parts or rebuilds done.  He is as He was when He died, so that we can be as He lives when we die.  The first, the original, the only.

Who has bragging rights to you will show where you worship.  Some do it on two wheels, some on four.  But those who know Jesus do it on their knees...in awe.  In their hearts.  Maybe that makes the price of His garments worth more, it did that afternoon to the guards.  I prefer to know the man who wore them that day...the value being in knowing the person.  Steve McQueen’s name on the title may inflate the price, and give bragging rights to the new owner, having your name in the Book of Life and knowing who brags on you means eternity.  You are what you are paid for, and Jesus paid it all.  So keep your wallet closed, mouth shut and ears open-here comes the deal of your life.  He gave the shirt off His back for you, what are you willing to give Him?  Jesus Christ, I have Him, do you?  What do you have to brag about?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

I ride, therfor I am not here

Some of the smartest people you ever meet are the ones who will agree with you.  Which probably tells you a lot about your peer group of friends.  So I hang around with some pretty sharp characters, like you if you are reading this.  But some don’t agree and will go to any lengths to annoy.  So I have a sign out front, “I ride, therefor I am not here.”  Beat it.  My other sign says “be nice or go away.”  Now I tend to be a nice guy, but get annoyed by people trying to sell me things, sell me a discount book-I save $20 every time I say no, or overpriced, under boxed cookies.  But I really don’t like the religious cults knocking on my door.  So I tend to not answer,  I don’t want to be rude or argue, like some do thinking they are an effective witness, but I rather just pray silently for them.  And after 11 years my house still isn’t marked, but may be because of my last conversation with a Jehovah Witness.  This man was evidently seasoned, and by himself.  And caught me off guard, so I had to confront him.  Which I did, with one question, “Do you believe the deity of Jesus Christ, is He God?”  To which he answered no, and before he could argue, I continued, “then you are going to hell by your own choice.  God is not sending you, it is your choice.  And it breaks my heart to see you choose death.”  He started to go into his preplanned routine, and I cut him off again.  “So we have nothing else to talk about”-and I shut the door.  A few minutes later I looked out, and he was leaning on the hood of his car, shaking his head, it looked like he was crying.  Not over me, or his lack of time to argue with me, I hoped he was considering what I told him.  He had heard the truth, in love...for I am not out to argue, nor win an argument, rather to see souls saved.  And he was lost...

Now some think it is right to invite them in and discuss scripture, but 2 John warns us not to.  Do not engage them, they will win, as they are trained to respond, and will wear you out.  You are not to even tell them God bless you, just be nice and courteous-don’t become what they re taught to accuse you off.  But you cancel the conversation before it starts...just as Jesus does.  He never argued scripture, but spoke with authority, the same authority we have in the spirit.  We are told to be a gentle as a lamb, but as wise as a serpent.  Yet most approach it as dumb as a lamb, and leave themselves wide open.  You won’t win an argument, so don’t get involved in one.  No souls are won that way either, it by the spirit, not us, lest we should forget.

So if I don’t answer, read the sign.  And maybe you need to take a ride, to get away where it is only you and God, so you can listen.  Why ask in prayer if you choose not to listen to His answer?   Or if you are a JW or Mormon, take the advice of God-Jesus is knocking, let Him in.  Not the made up god of the Mormons, not some hocus pocus theology of other cults, but the truth.  Truth is you should be out riding rather than annoying others.  Courtesy, kindness,and goodness, fruit of the spirit will show more of Jesus than phony doctrine or arguing.  Most of the Bible is warnings about false teaching, false teachers, and bad doctrines.  If what is being said varies from scripture, it is a lie-avoid it.  Stick to what you know, better yet to who you know-Jesus, who will never steer you wrong.  Maybe my next sign may be “I am risen, therefor I am not here.”  For someday I will be, then who will they annoy?  What excuses will they invent then? 

Put some distance between you and wrong teaching by staying in the word, and being in the spirit.  Nothing new here to Jesus, just the same old lie being resurrected to a new generation.  If you must spend time discussing the scriptures, try Jesus.  Talk to the author instead of one of His fallen angels.  Get the truth, it will set you free.  And give you more time to go riding.  For whoever is free in Christ is free indeed.  Win an argument today by not being in one, go love someone.  And if they knock, don’t answer.  You could be riding.  With Jesus.  Smartest guy I ever met, now about your friends...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

no one ever asked how my motorcycle felt

After numerous trips from coast to coast on the Tiger, we had become old riding pals.  48 states and 80,000 miles in six years will do that.  But coming up on the second anniversary of being life flighted from Durango to Albuquerque and having open heart surgery, I was thinking of how I had to leave her in Durango, with no thought of how she would get home.  In Dal’s good care, Theresa had numerous offers, and was busy with her 200 pound  two year old, me recovering and trying to find housing and running our home in Escondido from 1000 miles away, but when two Harley riders offered, and humbled themselves one weekend to pick her up when they could have been riding, things changed.  They saw the personal side of the need, and how important the relationship between man and machine was, and also between man and God.  Ken and Ned, two Black Sheep, men I respect for who they are in Christ, put their words into action.  And I say humbled, because Triumphs and Harleys don’t mix, they didn’t on the race track for years, and with so many buying into the Harley lifestyle, many would have passed on the chance.  But these men showed love way above and beyond, saying more with their actions than many pastors do with their words.  And when I asked Ned about being conspicuous trailering a Triumph, he told me they wore masks.  To protect the innocent.  But something changed on my Tiger that trip.  She had never been trailered before, a true thoroughbred who had completed every ride she started.  And so when the clutch cable broke, and she had to be trucked to Mickey’s, I thought of the old Harley joke, “What does HD stand for?  Hound dog, as they like to ride in the back of pick ups and mark their spot.”  And this previously never trailered bike has now come home like this four times.  So I wonder, what really went on, what kind of conversations were my Tiger privy to?  Has she become a trailer queen in her old age, or had something else gone on.  Does she think she’s a Harley now, and it is acceptable to ride in a trailer rather than being ridden?  Many other questions arise, but I’ll never know, as no one ever asked how my motorcycle felt.

After waking up four days later from a coma after surgery, the number one question I was asked was “how did this change your life?”  And my immediate answer was “I never want to go through this again.”  Good answer, but they were to change, and become even more personal.  More personal than all about me?  After seeing the affect on my wife and sons, my answer changed to “I never want my family to go through this again.”  It had become even more personal.  One afternoon when praying I asked God about why He had spared my life, why He allowed me to make history?  Nothing special about me, why had He chosen to keep me here on earth.  I had seen heaven, and I want to return.  His answer was simple, grace.  Now I thought I had a handle on grace, it is for me, right?  But His grace showed me how it was for my family-my wife isn’t a widow, and my sons aren’t orphans.  My living was God showing grace to my family.  How’s that for an answer.  But He wasn’t done, and as the year progressed, I saw Andrew get a new job, out of nowhere, a blessing, and Christopher living his dream as a musician.  He had been touring in Spain when I got sick.  And now God’s grace allowed me to see the joy both my son’s were enjoying, something I cannot express in words, but God knows, and knew.  And still He wasn’t through with me, for He showed me again grace isn’t just for me, but can be seen through me.  My sons got to see me blessed by their happiness, and that means even more.  They got to see me see them!  They get to see their father proud of them, and again I saw a different side of grace.  That of a loving father being blessed by His children, watching them being blessed.  And I had come so close to missing all that, if not for the grace of God, I would have.  So be careful asking me about my life changing event, because God has an answer for you that may surprise you.  And when that answer brings full glory to God, you get the full blessings, and sometimes they take years to receive. 

But in all of those who asked, only two men asked how it changed my relationship with God.  One a friend who is a pastor, and has gone through a serious medical condition, the other my doctor, who has known me for 20 years.  And the answers I gave have had a profound impact on both....again grace, amazing huh?

Now in the motorcycle world, more than Harleys and Triumphs need to be trailered.  I have trailered Kawasakis, Hondas, and I had a Yamaha that I think actually rather be trailered than ridden.  I have had Suzukis leak, KTM’s mark their spot, and have BMW’s weep all over the ground, BMW’s don’t leak, they weep oil.  My floor never knew the difference.  So all bikes can and will have a chance to ride in a pick up some day.  So move over Harley, share the ride.  But that weekend Ken and Ned left a mark in my life that I can never thank the enough for.  You see Jesus has prepared a spot for them in heaven, and marked it with His blood, just for them.  And when it is time, He will carry them home, if they can’t ride.  And I think of all the times He carried me, when I couldn’t ride, or wouldn’t ride, or didn’t know the way.  He loved me no matter who I was or what I rode, again His grace.  Might just change your attitude about what and how you ride, who you ride with-and live.  So if someone asks you how Jesus has changed your life, tell them.  Brag on God, tell of His amazing grace, tell them about your ride in the trailer.  No one ever asked my motorcycle how it felt about being abandoned by me, but if it could I’m sure it would be thankful to Ken and Ned.  The grace of God shown by two Harley riders to this Samaritan Triumph rider.  I only hope when she gets the chance she tells me what they said to her....this trailer thing has got to end, we should all be riding!  How has God changed your life, we are wanting to know...and your answer is....Ned, now about that mask?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

20 years before 1974

1974 was a tumultuous year for the auto world.  Gas prices had taken huge jumps, some gas selling for as much as 50 cents per gallon.  Emission controls were being required on new cars, and thanks to a combination  of low fuel supplies, emission laws that Henry Ford II said “threatened Detroit to reinvent the automobile,” and giving us such forgettable cars as the Mustang II, and new safety devices.  Among them a one year only gem called the starter interlock.  Simply put if your seat belt wasn’t fastened, the car wouldn’t start.  And in some cases if it was fastened.  In a drive, no pun intended, to make us safer, we soon found ways around it.  Some would pull the fuse, while others would endure sitting on a buckled belt in agony.  And in a momentary lapse of common sense, Congress actually repealed the law for 1975 cars.  But 1974 was to be the last year before catalytic converters, and the last for using regular leaded fuel, and being asked “regular or unleaded.”  Muscle cars were on the way out, small uncomfortable cars from Japan were in, they got the magic 20 miles per gallon, and the future looked dim.  We were seeing the future, and it wasn’t bright.  So many began to look back.....

And a collector car hobby began to take root.  Now in 1974 20 year old cars were just that, old cars that no one wanted to be seen in.  And were often the space fillers in factory parking lots, high school parking lots, and in the hood, again no pun intended.  A second car. You could pick them up cheap, $50-100 could buy you a car, telling the station attendant to “fill the oil and check the gas.”  They would take the regular leaded, and parts could still be found at NAPA to fix them up.  But very few collected them.  1955-56-57 Chevies in 1974 were cheap, and not everyone had owned one yet, like the legend is today.  A 20 year old car in your driveway meant you were poor, something no self respecting American would ever admit to.  There were still a few oddballs out there, Hudsons, Studebakers, and Nashes.  Cars that were out of production, orphans we called them, and they sat on blocks, or in peoples yard not moving.  Unpopular then, they were really not wanted in 1974.  20 years before 1974 there were no Datsuns, they weren’t Nissan yet, no Toyotas, no Mazdas, and no Honda cars.  Not even Honda motorcycles until 1959!  We were America, Chevrolet sold almost 30 percent of new cars, GM, Ford, and Chrysler were the big three in Detroit, and Detroit was Motown before the Supremes.  The products of 20 years before 1974 were things no one wanted, and old cars were old then compared to the new ones being dumped on us.  We were afraid to look ahead, so America started to look back.   And after 40 years, we now look back to 1974, but where are the collectible cars from 1974?  Are there any worth collecting?

As I go to more car shows, the emphasis on years of cars has changed.  We look at cars that we remember from our youth, what we drove in high school, or more accurately what we wished we could have driven in high school.  And today those unwanted 20 year old cars from 1974 are bringing big bucks.  Tri-five Chevies bringing six figures.  Even Edsels being collectible.  An occasional Hudson is seen, and everyone looks for a pink Cadillac rumored to have belonged to Elvis.  The cars that were looked over in 1974, are now very valuable, and desired.  But where are the cars from the Class of ‘74?  Is it possible that we have nothing to look back on, so we look ahead.....or have we just found ourselves in a survival mode and we don’t know it?  We don’t look back, do we dare look ahead?

In 1973 after the Six Day War, gas prices jumped from around $17/barrel to just over $20/barrel.  Today OPEC rules gas prices, which dictate what we drive, when we drive, and where we drive.  All attention focuses on the the Middle East, where it all began, and where it will all end.  But few look to Israel, they look to the Arab nations, who control the oil.  And we are ever careful not to bite the hand that feeds us.  But keep your eyes on Israel, for that is where the action is, and will be.  20 years before 1974, Israel was only 6 years old.  No one outside of the Palestinians cared for it, even New York City had more Jews than Israel.  But within 20 years they were making themselves known internationally.  Winning two wars, in 1967 and 1973, against all odds God showed us why Jerusalem is still the apple of His eye, and why it is best to be a friend of Israel rather than an enemy.  20 years before 1974 we were friends with the Arab nations and Israel.  They were a world away, and we had plenty of fossil fuel, we didn’t need them.  We exported to Israel, we were a donor nation, and they imported just about everything.  Now we import.  But that all was changing, and 20 years before 1974 no one outside of God could predict the Middle East of today. 

God promised that He would protect anyone who is a friend of Israel, and curse those who were her enemies.  Today Israel, a country the size of New Jersey is one of the largest fruit exporters in the world.  Jews are flocking back to Israel as God predicted, and gas, both natural and oil, are being found in huge quantities in Israel.  For years I wondered why the entire Middle East was ripe in gas except for Israel, but God in His timing is showing them the time is now.  Israel has a great military, a strong economy, and strong leadership.  In the 20 years before 1974, we had Ike, and everyone liked Ike.  In 1974 we had a 1913 Ford as our President.  Who couldn’t even beat Jimmy Carter, a precursor of things to come, not good things, but a downfall.  America’s greatest days were behind it....and the car shows reflected it.

No great society in the history of the world has ever been defeated, they have rotted from within.  Morals deteriorate, crime grows, murder becomes normal, and the ratio of police to students rivals that of students to teachers.  We don’t look back, and some barely look ahead.  We brag about our health, while the healthiest people in history still die.  We look back to when sex was clean and the air was dirty, and see things on TV that we used to have to hide in our parent’s garages to look at.  We are rotting from within, and we are even turning our back on Israel.  Not a political statement, but truth.  And we are her only ally left...except for God.  And you plus God is all you need.  In the last 24 hours I read of Bob Coy falling from grace, and the world rushes to indict the church.  This morning 20 kids are knifed in school, and it goes on and on.  What will we be looking at in 20 years from now at the car shows will tell us a lot about who we were then, and where we are going now.  But if not for Jesus, these times will be painfully endured.  so the church, that’s us, looks forward to His return.  The Rabbis in Israel are having visions and dreaming dreams of the return of the savior.  For them a first time, to believers a second.  And  those who didn’t like Him the first time around, they really won’t like Him the second.

Try something different this weekend, instead of Cruisin’ Grand, cruise church.  See what all the excitement is about.  Find out why we look ahead with excitement, and have a hope and a future in Christ.  20 years before 1974  I was born, and in 1974 still a heathen.  But in 1975 I became Born Again, and that made all the difference.  Today is the day of salvation, maybe yours.  Trust God today, and have great tomorrow.  What you say today will have an impact on what you remember tomorrow.  The memories you see when you look at old cars tomorrow will reflect your life today.  Make them good ones for the future.  20 years ago before 1974 never looked so good.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

riding or waiting?

All roads are not created equal.  And all riders are not created equal either.  Some roads are six lanes wide like I-15 by my house, yet the old road 395, that parallels it is only two.  And what feels fast on the 2 laner is really slow on the freeway, so different roads to different riders will bring out different attitudes in them.  Last weekend all the news was the heat wave going to hit Tuesday, 90 degree weather in April-yes.  Take off the leathers, and let’s ride.  But Saturday was in the high 50’s, so it was jacket over sweatshirt in layers.  And as we rode to our weekend destination for lunch for our fix at Miguel’s, we took the freeway-we were hungry.  And since I hadn’t exercised the tires on my GS1000, I pulled the  cover off and rode it.  Chasing Theresa on her Bonneville at 85mph to Murrieta.  An easy ride for what was once the premier sport bike 36 years ago, the current GSXR 1000’s grandfather, today 82 horsepower is nothing compared to 600’s that make 128, but fast it was, and still can be ridden fast-on the right road.  A great meal, and the back roads home, where it actually felt pretty good at 65mph, which would have been 10 over the legal limit when it was new.  A relaxed ride, and with the promise of 80 degrees on Sunday, church was on Saturday night, and left us with all day Sunday to play, or rest while we rode.  Enjoying the Sabbath by keeping it holy, on two wheels.

It was only to be 80 that day, but felt tropical compared to the day before.  So heading out in only a t-shirt, my kind of riding clothes, we had a Greek lunch, and kept the calories down after the huge chicken burrito for lunch the day before.  Gotta look good in my t-shirts.  But as we got closer to the beach. I put on my sweatshirt, why be uncomfortable if you don’t have to.  Parking in Carlsbad along the beach, it was beautiful.  Clear skies, not a lot of people yet, and the dolphins were  out.  And watching them jump and play made the day seem all worth it.  We had parked by a bench and were enjoying the view when a woman approached us, after staring at Theresa’s Bonneville.  She had grown up around bikes, and was getting her license, and was considering one.  She loved the color, and had many questions.  The Bonne being the star here, while the GS sat patient.  Later another man stopped by and kept walking around and looking at the Bonneville, something we are used to.  I have never met anyone who having owned an old Triumph didn’t have great memories, stories, and a longing for another.  Stories of it wouldn’t run at night, it left me stranded, and things vibrated off, but I miss that bike, I loved it. I wish I had another....And so the legacy of Triumph goes, it seems most of my generation rode one, when the bike would run, and now approaching retirement age, wish they had another.  When they run.  But memories can be a strange riding partner, as next to her Bonneville, sat the GS1000.  A historically significant bike, the first one to run in the 11’s in the quarter, and one of the first Superbikes, in fact a champion with Wes Cooley and other fast shoes on it.  But with no comparison to today’s super bikes, and with no fairing it was the standard of the day-just not today.  Yet it stood ignored, with all memories dedicated to Triumph.  Maybe the way it should be, but at 36 she still runs fast, how many 36 year old Triumphs can say the same.  Different memories from different times, different bikes on different roads.  Choose your weapon and ride.

But like I said, the old GS runs great, and has only 27,000 miles on it.  I have red lined it in fourth, 120mph, so approaching our exit, I gave her one last blast, up to 110, then exited.  Fast for any bike, but too fast,almost for me and mine.  Suddenly I was reminded of how far brakes have advanced in 36 years, last week it was radial Brembo’s on a Speed Triple R, today, grab all you can, step hard on the rear, and downshift-stopping with plenty of distance to spare, just with more excitement.  And when Theresa pulled up next to me and smiled, she had no idea of my e-ticket stop....and so we wait until next weekend, riding and waiting for our next chance to ride, but for Sunday it was all about the riding. 

And Theresa’s Bonneville.  Now I love it when someone in a car pulls up next to her at a light, and then sees it’s a girl.  The whole conversation changes.  I marvel at when she is asked “how fast will it go, how may cc’s?” and “what year,” she holds her own.  And when telling of our long rides, and her being a buddy seat sitter in 48 states, it makes me proud.  And blessed, that God has given me the girl of my dreams.  She rides!  And she loves Jesus!  And she loves me, beats whatever is second to me.  But she didn’t always ride her own bike, it has been almost 10 years now she got her license, and her first Bonneville.  I say her first, because on her first ride alone, she got hit.  From behind in a multicar accident.  Bonne totaled, she was fine.  And she got on her latest one, and rode again.  It wasn’t her fault, and urged on by me and our two sons-we all ride, she did again, and does today.  One bad experience wasn’t going to end her riding career.  Or put an end to our riding together, on one bike or two.   It is less than two weeks until Easter, and the CEO’s-Christmas and Easter only will be out on Easter Sunday.  And we welcome you all to church, and hope you are blessed.  But I see a common theme among many, and when talking one on one, find many, me included have had a bad time at church.  So we quit going, and many have quit altogether.  Someone cut them off, was rude, or didn’t treat them as special as they thought they should be treated, and they quit.  Reluctantly gong two times a year, under threat, and hating every minute of it.  But they are confusing the church with God, and have an attitude towards God like they do to the church.  When it is really a person, not God, that put them off.  What if Theresa had quit riding after being hit, it wasn’t her fault, did that make all motorcycles dangerous?  NO!  So she got back on, and rides today.  And so should you if you have given up.  Don’t give up on God, Jesus loves you and welcomes you back.  Maybe try another church, maybe change your attitude to the church.  Stop by and see what you have been missing.

Interested in world events, no better textbook than the Bible to bring you up to date, some prophesies thousands of years old.  Family problems, bored at work, maybe you are out of work, stop by for encouragement.  Sickness, or questions about what life is all about, Jesus is the answer.  Come and see, the invitation is there, but don’t wait for a holiday.  Surprise us and yourself and stop by.  Ask questions, meet the pastor.  Consider yourself invited, now come!  You will find that just as all riders and roads are not created equal, so no two testimonies will be the same.  Make your own. Don’t be like the man who quit riding because he got old, and found  he got old because he quit riding.  Old time saints looking to come back, bring it on.  Your life may not be a cruise up the freeway, you may need time on the back roads.  God is there, to ride at your speed.  36 year old brakes-get out and exercise them.  Get out and bless someone by just getting out.

Be confident in Christ.  Recognize Him.  Just as many remember the Bonneville, it was the Suzuki that made history.  Come along for the ride of your life. Only found in Jesus.  At any speed, on any road, He is with you.  Harleys, He cruises with you, and on a Ninja He rides the curves, knee out and dragging-He rides!  If you do, give Him a chance.  Some are riding, while some are still waiting.  I rather ride, what are you waiting for?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Mr. Holland's Oops

The monthly meeting of the angels was usually a very unexciting affair.  It was a time when the guardian angels got together and talked about the ones they were responsible to protect.  But today’s was different, as they had asked God himself to attend, as they had some questions about a Mr. Holland who had recently died.  And gone to hell, and they didn’t understand why.  Mr. Holland was a pillar in his community, past president of the leading social club, on the church board, and owned a very prosperous business in his small town. Everyone in town knew him, and adored him.  Whenever the school needed help, they turned to Mr. Holland and his business for help.  The cheerleaders need new uniforms, he would pitch in.  A student needed work, he would hire them after school.  And each year in the Harvest Parade his tractors would pull the farm wagons, provided at no charge for the various floats.  He was always first to reach into his pockets when the Little League field needed repairs, and had been on the church board for years.  He had the gift of organizing, and of making money when others needed it.  He and his wife of many years never had children, the community was their family, and each Sunday they could be found in their regular seat in church, third row center, right side on the aisle.  He basked in all the attention, and they rarely missed, but now Mr. Holland was dead, and no one was there to lead them.  But that wasn’t the question, he had gone to hell, and the angels, in particular his guardian angel didn’t get it.  Why had this man who had led such an exemplary life gone to hell?  Hadn’t his guardian angel protected him?  A job easier than most angels, as Mr. Holland led such a good life.  Why, then God, did he end up in hell?  And the room became quiet when God entered the room.

He had heard their questions, and prepared a short demonstration to answer it for them.  A parable on the big screen, so they would understand Mr. Holland better, and to show why he ended up in hell.  God chose a scenario they would have known Mr. Holland in, on a farm.  The angels saw Mr. Holland among the flames in hell, with no way out.  Screaming in pain, one who shined bright like a son of God called him to a tractor hooked up to flat bed trailer.  “Hop on, and follow me, I will show you where the gate is,” the figure called to him, and without hesitating Mr. Holland jumped behind the wheel.  The brightest angel jumping off, rather being pushed off, Mr. Holland taking over and steering.  Mr. Holland saw the gate ahead, but had to go across a field to get there, quite a distance.  And along the way, he passed by many others who screamed in agony were jumping on the cart.  They too were looking for escape from hell, and figured Mr. Holland would lead them out.  In hell like he had on earth.  But soon the cart became full, then overloaded, and the tractor could hardly pull it through the rich soil.  “Get off, you ‘re keeping me from escaping!” he yelled, but even more jumped on, soon blocking the tractor, and almost bringing it to a halt.   “Get off you fools,” in anger and fear, and when he yelled one more time, and when they didn’t obey him, he reached behind, grabbed the clevis pin holding the trailer to the tractor, and pulled, setting the trailer free, and allowing the tractor to jump forward, running over those ahead of him.  Nothing, no man would hinder his escape.  Soon he was far enough ahead he could barely hear the cries for help, the gate was in sight.  He was racing it to it alone, when suddenly the screen went black...and Mr. Holland was back in hell, where he had started.  And as the angels sat silent, they now understood why Mr. Holland had gone to hell.  Mr. Holland’s Oops was evident to them all, and they saw God’s perfect justice.  No words were needed.

In life Mr. Holland had done well, but at a price.  He used to brag he lived by the Ten Commandments, but really only lived by nine, neglecting the first one.  He didn’t place God first, and all his actions led to him getting the glory.  Even the huge funeral he had when he died, was in his will, along with the statue to commemorate him in death and after death.  He had established his own gospel, the gospel of self, and that was Mr. Holland’s Oops.  Although he was a church member, and on the board, he never accepted Jesus into his life, instead rather going it alone, using his wits and talents.  And the angels had seen the same thing the townspeople had seen, it was only God who looked at his heart and saw the evil. It wasn’t the money, the selfishness, or the fame that had sentenced him to hell.  And no, God hadn’t sent him, God sends no one to hell.  It was his refusal of Jesus Christ, to repent and be forgiven, and even to the end, when given one last chance, when the brightest angel Jesus appeared to him, showing him the way, he tossed Him aside, his pride ruling and his ending in hell. He wanted to lead, leading himself right into hell. It was his decision to not place God first, and even the Ten Commandments couldn’t save him.  And it wasn’t the gates that kept him out, but kept him in, as Jesus is the only way to escape the gates of hell.  Only Jesus keeps you out, something no gate can do.  And to the end, he was willing to sacrifice others to get what he wanted.  Truly, this man showed no love to his fellow men, than to lay down his life for another. 

Sadly, Mr. Holland’s Oops is not unusual.  We tend to look at the outer man, God looks at the heart.  And when we ask forgiveness, He grants it.  Sins committed, sins we are committing, and those to come.  All at once, and once for all.  Even the sins we don’t know we commit, and we commit many under the guise of our own gospel.  When it is only the gospel of Jesus Christ that will save us.  What are the angels saying about you?  What will they say, better yet what will God say?  Despite our sins, we can be forgiven, and can all hear the words “well done my good and faithful servant,”  and arrive in heaven.  The choice is ours....many around us think we are who they see, only God knows who we are, and who we are when we are alone.  And He loves us anyway, so why not turn to Him today, let Jesus in and never face the gates of hell again.  The angels understood after the demonstration, what will it take for you?  God is patient that none should perish, and he was ready to forgive and forget Mr. Holland’s Oops, He calls it grace, all he had to do was ask Jesus to forgive him.  So rich, yet so poor.  So smart, yet so foolish.  So giving, yet so selfish.  To the end, when he faced Jesus, he rebelled. 

Today Jesus stands at the gate knocking, let Him into your heart before you cannot escape and it is too late.  The gates of hell shall never prevail against the Son of God, and His followers.  Mr. Holland found that out too late.  Don’t let his oops be yours.  He found out too late that it can be on earth, as it is in heaven, not the other way around.

love with compassion,

Mike

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