better mousetraps

Growing up we were told the story of every time they built a better mousetrap, they turned out a better mouse.  And so the competition continued, and continues.  Security being what it is, or rather what it is supposed to be, somehow I don’t feel very secure.  The talk last night among us was about a 19 year old who stole a fighter jet from a military base, took off, flew it, then successfully landed it.  Then was apprehended, and when asked where he learned, he told the investigators he used a flight simulator on his computer.  Must have some computer, but once he learned, how did he get on the base?  Into the jet, after putting on his flight gear?  And get cleared for both take off and landing?  Who was watching, or better yet, who was supposed to be watching?  Talking about flying the friendly skies...how well will you sleep tonight?

Years ago when in sales I had several accounts serviced at Lindbergh Field.  I had limited clearance, all doors were locked, and I had to be let in to certain buildings only, but one day while there a plane landed without its running gear down.  One of the older technicians told me “come on, let’s go check it out.”  So jumping in his truck, on the airfield, we rode right up to the plane, I was within 25 feet of it, and while he talked to the first responders, who obviously knew him, I could listen in. After 10 minutes or so all was under control, and he had to get back to work.  Having no badge, or security clearance, and to keep me out of trouble-I was definitely where I wasn’t allowed, he showed me where there was a hole in the chain link fence, so big he could drive through it.  “Doesn’t anyone know about this?” I asked, an obvious security leak.  “Yes, but it is convenient, saves us time going through security gates to get around.”  And he dropped me off, I was parked within eyesight of this and never realized it!  I had just been on the tarmac, where later I would watch the 5 o’clock news and see where I had been standing, by the plane.  At first it was funny, then scary.  All the money building a better security system, a mousetrap, only to have it neutralized by a better mouse, my friend who worked there, the better mouse.  I have only flown one time since.  And they tell me it is unsafe riding a motorcycle.

The first time we went to see Billy Graham, we were shocked to see people demonstrating against him.  A real security threat, they were threatening to him, and we felt unsafe.  Even with guards around them.  Who would want to harm Billy?  He never hurt anyone?  But yet he has security with him everywhere.  Same thing while attending a CBN sponsored event.  I wanted to meet Pat Robertson, who was walled off from the crowd after speaking.  I finally saw him walking down a side hallway, alone except for his body guard, who checked me over, then allowed me to talk briefly with Pat, and shake his hand.  And even at church, we have security teams.  And I know of pastors, friends of mine, who have been threatened.  Why would anyone want to attack these men of peace?  Is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ really that dangerous?  Threatening enough to want to kill or injure those that proclaim it?  But throughout history, we have seen the greater the persecution, the more and faster the church spread.  Jesus warned how we would be called into court, and threatened.  Since the early church we have had beheadings, lion fights against Christians in the Coliseum, Nero lighting the roads to Rome using them as torches, and the great Holocaust in WWII.  It goes on today, where in China, India , North Korea, and other places it is against the law to even have a Bible, to speak of Jesus.  To be a Christian.  Yet so many of us still do, risking job, security, financial stability, and even physical harm sharing Jesus.  Why?

Because they are afraid of the cross, where Jesus won the victory of sin and Satan.  And Satan knows his days are numbered, and we live among the days of greater attacks to come.  Prophesied over 2000 years ago.  Who would have thought that living in a nation where it was founded on freedom of religion, that the tide would turn to freedom from religion, to evil, and that so many would be led astray.  Yet just like the hole in the fence I escaped through, Jesus promises a way out from sin.  Repent and turn to Him.  And risk ridicule, harm, and public humiliation.  So why do so many risk so much?  It must be more than joining a church, than becoming a member.  It takes the spirit to change our lives, to open our eyes to the truth, and to be set free.  Yet so many act blindly, Jesus even telling His Father to “forgive them they know not what they do.”  If you have been saved, you know how it is an affair of the heart, not just a mindset.  But few realize the price that  Jesus paid until they get threatened.  Some turn and run, some fight back.  But God knows who are His, and we win the fight, sometimes sustaining damage in the battles.  But the battles continue...

Seek God while He still can be found.  Then be still, and know that He is God.  His name is Jesus, and for that statement I could be put to death under Sharia law.  In India.  China. North Korea.  And as thousands are in Sudan, Nigeria, and other places around the globe.  And even in the US of A, our freedom to worship Jesus is threatened.  The time is near, the end is coming soon, for us a rebirth, our victory celebration and entrance to heaven, but to those who rebel, who deny Christ, the 7 worst years in the history of the world are just beginning.  What will you choose?  Where will you be when it happens?  Will you go or will you be left behind?  Do you have a hole so big in your theology that you cannot escape the evil coming?  Or do you have Jesus?  Who is the way, the truth, and the life.  Will your gospel of self save you?  Or has Jesus saved you and set you free?

Some have holes in their theology so big you can drive through them.  So it is important to know the truth, and it is a person-Jesus Christ.  The world feels so safe with its better mousetraps, I feel real security in the one who created the mouse.  And no trap will hold back the gospel, and many will continue to try.  Accept the free gift of salvation today, and proclaim it loudly.  Only in Jesus will you ever be truly secure.  And to all my fellow mice, no trap made by man will keep us from God.  And no back door, hole in the fence is needed.  Jesus had no body guards, and He went voluntarily to the cross.  Now He is asking you the same....will you pick up your cross and follow?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

Porsche-the art of charging more for less

Deep down inside we are all negotiators.  Give me a price, we want to argue with it.  And over the years in sales and negotiating, I have seen several things.  One that has always amazed me, for I just don’t get it, is when someone is charged too much, like full retail on a new car, they come back with their friends, and they want them to meet you.  For some reason they think you have done the a favor, and wish to have their friends get a good deal like they did.  Go figure.  But then there are those that do figure, and will bargain, and scrimp, and argue down to the last penny.  And when done still think they could have gotten a better deal, and that somehow they are being ripped off.  While the guy who paid too much is happy and enjoying his new car, the other guy is still fuming over it.  Now to me everything is negotiable, but years ago when German cars first came to the states like BMW via Max Hoffman, you paid the sticker price, no negotiating.  No “what will it take to put you into this car today,” like the Chevy and Ford guys asked, you paid full retail, like anyone else who walked in the door.  No brother in law deals, you want it, that is the price.  And perhaps the best negotiator I saw was a retired racer selling collector cars.  The customer was looking at spending $30,000 for a Porsche, and wanted to deal.  Ash looked at him, and said he doesn’t negotiate.  The prospect pushed harder, and Ash finally relented-“I can give you $50 off,” making it sound so good that the customer took the car-thinking he got a deal.  $50 off? You can’t fill a Porsche for that!  and the man became a repeat customer to Ash.  Giving credence to the quote, Porsche-the art of charging more for less.”

Want to be the first on your block with the latest?  You pay up front, full price.  Remember when Hondas were in short supply?  You paid over retail, to me stupid, and perpetuated by the Honda factory, who would only build X amount of cars, usually the plant’s capacity, keeping the supply down, the factory operating at full capacity, and the value of the cars up, due to short supply.  And along the way Honda was training their customer base that no deals were available, creating a demand via ego for their cars.  And just like Porsche, they were charging more for less.  And once the bait was chosen, and the hook set, all the salesman had to do was write up the order.  Making money for all involved, with the promise that at trade time the car would be worth more.  Right up until the time it was to trade....

And what was paid more than retail for, then was less than trade in value.  And again the dickering would start, only to be told, that their once new car was now undesirable, but they will help them out in trade, actually doing hem a favor  by taking it in trade.  Soon your car would be resold again at a profit, telling the new customer how well they hold their value.  And it goes on and on and on....Until someone comes out with the next “I can’t live without it at any price car,”  and then Honda has to negotiate.  But back to Porsche.

Unlike Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame, I have no love of Porsches.  I consider them warmed over VW’s, especially the older air cooled, just with two extra cylinders to repair.  But with a following of loyalists, who can afford to pay too much, they thrive today.  Selling at a price that is higher than homes I have purchased, they are very expensive to repair.  $2000 for brakes all around-every 10,000 miles.  Tune ups frequently, because when out of tune they run like an old VW.  And Porsche has found, like BMW has, like Mercedes Benz has, and like Lexus is, that once hooked, the owners will pay the price.  And like we were taught at Mercedes Benz, you don’t just fix cars, you fix the owners.  The cars are easy...parts for those with broken hearts can be expensive for all involved.  But once in, you can’t get out without taking a loss, and sometimes money is cheaper than reputation.  “That’s Jim, he used to drive a 911.  Couldn’t afford the maintenance, bought a Mustang.”   Only Jim knowing he is getting more for less.  Again Porsche-the art of charging more for less applies to the faithful.  Whose wallet can still feed their ego.  With pride about to be the fall....

Which leads us to those who have trouble accepting the gospel.  The gospel is simple, we sinned, we need forgiveness, only found in Jesus.  We repent, He saves, we are born again.  Saved.  A gift that no one can purchase.  Free.  Yet some still feel the need to negotiate.  They feel they must do more, to earn their way.  But fail to trust God.  Some discount the deal altogether, nothing can be free.  We are retched, here I can donate money to the church, but keep my old lifestyle.  Yet some discount the whole idea, and are still searching for God.  They are like the Porsche owner who paid too much, and are proud of it because they can afford it.  But really can’t afford not to.  And when they finally do, their friends make fun of them for their choice.  They feel like they have sold out, when really they are getting the bargain of a lifetime.  For salvation is free, God loves us that much.  And is only available through Jesus Christ.  On His terms-you get it all for nothing.  And He gets you, how can that be fair?  So some wander away, while others tell all their friends about the deal they got.  They are just the opposite of paying more and getting less, they are paying less and getting more-Jesus makes up the difference.  And at trade in time-well no one wants to trade Jesus for anything.  Not even a new Porsche, that will only wear out.  And need maintenance, which is included with Jesus.  The main thing it takes from you is commitment.  Do you really want to be saved, or just going through the motions?  And emotions?

I hope that I have not enraged any Porsche owners, I can understand your loyalty.  But are you willing to make that kind of commitment to Jesus?  Can you be loyal to His brand?  Do you want the best, or just want to join the club?  Fortunately He is not in short supply, the price is the same today as it was yesterday, as it will be tomorrow.  His customer base is growing, and the brand loyalty is growing with it.  Will you join us, get the deal of your life-get life in Him.  Never worry about trade ins, or having enough money to maintain your relationship.  Strike a deal with Jesus today you will never get from Ash, and others like him.  Get the best, tell others, and brag on Jesus.  In life, like in the car business, word of mouth is still the best advertisement.  Now, what will it take to get you into Jesus Christ today?

God is standing by.  Such a deal He has for you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

hybrids and lowbrids

On paper, and in theory, a hybrid is a good idea.  Take the best traits of two things and combine them into one.  And in corn, fruit flies, and music it may work, but keep me out of it in cars.  Personally I don’t see how anyone can drive a Prius,  which I think of as an ugly golf cart.  Yet we see them everywhere here in SoCal, clogging the roads, and taking up space where real cars should be.  Want to know when the gas motor cuts in, just follow the Prius cruising at 57 mph down the San Diego Freeway, thinking they are saving the planet, while setting driving relations back decades.  Saving resources, which are renewable, wasting time which isn’t.  And within the industry they are regarded as coal burners, we get electricity from coal don’t we?  And when it comes time to replace the batteries-oh what a feeling!  Fortunately the only hybrid motorcycles are the ones that when they run out of gas are pushed by their rider...consider me a hybrid in that regard.  But as a stop gap solution to running out of fossil fuel, of which we have an unknown abundance, a lot, and switching to alternatives such as hydrogen or electric, we see them even in Mercedes Benz, just trendy I guess.  But trendiness comes with a price, ask any Tesla owner how far he can go on a full charge, or how long it takes to recharge.  12 hours for a full charge, and a range of less than 100 miles, again the price for being trendy.  Plus you don’t get the aural music of a V-8 with headers, better than any stereo or sound system.  Sirius-ly.  And soon we will have lost a generation who remembers Sunoco 260, when premium was needed for performance, and electric cars came in a box with 25 feet of track, and a slot to guide them.  But those are on the testing agenda, as driverless cars are being tested, even here in San Diego where a part of I-15 has wires buried under it to guide the test Buicks.  Giving a new meaning to the ad, “wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?”

But to society hybrids are nothing new, as far a people go.  We have Italian Americans, Polish Americans, Disabled Americans, and Texans-who were given the right to secede if they wanted to , a condition when they joined the US of A.  So being questioned one day by a Persian woman, where I was from I told her the US.  She argued no one was just an American, maybe because so many of her family had just arrived here.  “You must be some kind of American, where are you from?”  So I told her, “I am a heaven American, for my heritage is of Jesus Christ, and some day I will return there.”  Ended that conversation.  But it made me think, why don’t you here of any Christian Americans?  Can a Christian have dual citizenship?  Should we?  Would we want to?

When you become a Christian you are a new creation in Christ.  Yet so many still continue to live like they aren’t, like before they were saved.  I am disappointed when I gather with other Christians who swear, isn’t what comes from your mouth what is in your heart?  And those who brag about drinking, and still hang out and drink, hiding behind the excuse I never get drunk.  Aren’t we supposed to let nothing get between God’s spirit and our own?  R movies, just a little sex, isn’t that how porn starts?  Explain how these things, sin that is acknowledged by the world, is OK in Christians?  Don’t you get upset when someone uses God’s name in vain?  How would you feel if your wife, kids, or pastor needed you, and you had been drinking and couldn’t come to them?  How would you feel men watching your wife or daughter nude before an audience?  Yet we forget these things, and makes excuses for them.  Beware-the devil is subtle and can appear as an angel of light.  I cannot help but look back when riding through Central California and seeing all the wineries how crops were once grown there, where cattle grazed.  Now grapes grow, how trendy, and does this all spur the food shortage?  The only way you know if you had too much to drink is when you have-and who drinks alcohol not to get a buzz?  Please explain to me how to explain to an alcoholic how drinking is OK?  How you have it all together with your sin, I’d like to hear also.  And yes, Jesus’ first miracle was to change water into wine-new wine, for fermented wine, wine with alcohol has gone through a death process.  Are we going through a death process in Christ, or are all things new to us? 

Maybe what it comes down to is the old question of who is on the throne of your life?  Are you the center, making all the decisions that affect only you-a carnal Christian, or is Jesus the most important?  He is supposed to be on the throne-not us.  How does who Jesus is affect your witness?  You are already going to heaven, but what if someone who knows you are a Christian and sees you in sin, and thinks it is OK because you say you are saved.  Are you misleading them, sending a false message?  Do you love Jesus enough to let Him change your life to change others?  Or are you a hybrid Christian, one foot in the world and one foot in heaven?  If you are you are no good to either one, and a tool of evil.  Remember Cain being asked if he was his brother’s keeper?  The answer is supposed to be yes.  Your witness will tell us more about Jesus than many words you care to speak.

Jesus tells us he will drink no wine before His return, new wine, the fruit of the Spirit.  Proverbs 20:1 tells us “wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler.  Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”  That’s scripture, from God.  Care to argue with Him?  So I choose to be a Christian, and if you must hyphenate my status, a Christian-Texan-US-biker.  Saying a Christian is much easier.  And don’t fall back on well that is how different societies do it.  Sodom and Gomorrah were societies.  The Aztecs sacrificing people were a society.  And all great societies in the history of the world were never conquered, they rotted from within.  America-are you listening, with that glass of wine in your hand? What message are you sending your kids?  Your neighbors?  Your co-workers?  And if reminded that sin is fun, remember that being a Christian is the most fun you can ever have, and it never ends-it just gets better.  So what is in your future, what is in your today?

Maybe you drive a hybrid, but are living like a lowbrid.  Change now, watch as God gives you the choice to overcome your sin through Christ.  Take this from a man who did drugs, loved to get drunk and party, and slept around.  Until Jesus showed  me a better way.  And today I take His attitude towards those that still do, I don’t condone it, but I won’t condemn you for it.  Christ died for your sin, your choice to accept or reject.  But don’t be the hybrid living in two worlds.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.  So next time you tell me “it’s only a glass of wine, only a few cuss words, or just an R rated movie, my reply is “it’s just Jesus for me.”  Make no excuses, given the choice I rather drive a Corvette than a Prius.  And that is the legacy I choose to leave with you.  If you don’t know the words, you can always hum, just like a hybrid.  But we know Jesus, and know all the words to the song.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

have you ever asked someone for directions who stuttered?

My old friend, Brett Menaul has been dead for over 30 years.  He died in a single bike accident, too fast in a curve he probably had taken dozens of times.  And I miss him sometimes, he was a funny guy and made me laugh, sometimes not meaning too.  When he bought his new SR500, he called me to come over and see it, and when I did I couldn’t find it.  Then he motioned to the sink, where the motor was, he had taken the new bike apart, and the motor was in the sink.  Just curious of how it worked....But it was Brett that turned me onto The Duct Tapes, a monthly column written by Ed Hertfelder back in 70-80’s about his misadventures of his enduro riding.  Ed could take a bad situation and turn it into a comic event.  Proving once and for all that humor is the purest form of truth, and explaining why M&M’s won’t melt in your hand, but will in your pocket.  How heat will not keep a fried egg sandwich warm, but turn it into a science project when left in your van during a race.  And why that said van was so cheap, being only 2 inches too low to get any dirt bike into, forcing it to lay sideways, and making the premixed fuel run out, generally all over the sleeping bag you intended to use that night. Amazing how much fuel a sleeping bag could absorb until you laid on it, and it all gushed out. It was Ed who told us the tire weighed so much because it had 35 pounds of air in it.  And it is Ed who reminds me of Brett.  So last night, sitting on the front porch to keep cool, I was reading an old Cycle magazine from 1979, and came across The Duct Tapes, and an article called “Have you ever....”

While Theresa tried to be interested as I read certain have you evers to her, she would occasionally laugh, because I thought it was funny, even if she didn’t get it, but when I read “have you ever asked someone who stutters for directions?” we both laughed.  Not at the person who stutters, but at the situation.  And having been in one similar a few times, it was funny.  Also exhaustive, tested my patience, and surprise-the directions were correct.  Despite my feeble attempts to end each sentence for the stutterer.  But did you know that many stars of stage and screen stuttered?  But used the concentration needed in their acting skills to overcome it?  And some even became spokesman for those who do stutter?  Try these names on for size, James Earl Jones, Bruce Willis, Jimmy Stewart, who turned it into his trademark-ask anyone who impersonates him, Carly Simon, Marilyn Monroe, and Jack Paar.  Athletes like Tiger Woods, Adrian Peterson, and Shaq.  Did you know Bo knows stuttering?  A voice affliction, not a disease, they all learned to overcome it.  But maybe the one you remember from Sunday School class, was Moses.  Who stuttered, according to Biblical experts.  Moses, who led the Jews to the Promised Land, who for 40 years endured their complaining and bickering.  Who went up the mountain and came back with the 10 Commandments-that Moses.  The same Moses that wrote the first five books of the Bible-yeah, that guy.  But in his infirmity, God provided Aaron as his spokesman.  To clarify the things Moses had been given, maybe to speed up the 4-4-4-40 year exodus.  You can only imagine the comedians of the day imitating Moses on late night TV,  Y-y-y-you sh-sh-shaal not-not-not have any other G-g-gods be-4-4-4-4.me.  A reminder of despite the messenger, we should always listen to the message when it comes fro God.  And also how we should not be surprised when God chose others in the New Testament to be his ambassadors.  Fisherman, anarchists, swindlers, and tax collectors.  And Jesus even hung out with them, and hookers, bikers, and others low on the social register.  Who I personally find to be a better class of people.  And as I look around today, I see many who may stutter in their theology, but love Jesus.  Who when confronted may get confused, and stutter a bit, causing those who ridicule them to discount their message.  I am so thankful that you and I would never be like that.  Or are we?  Or how do we feel when we stutter in our walk, and someone is there to remind us of how we blew it?  But yet somehow the gospel of Jesus Christ continues to go forth, despite our futile efforts on our own, but when under the guidance of the Holy Spirit we see lives changed, and even our stuttering is used for God’s glory.

So while stuttering may be not funny in itself, it can present some funny situations.  And I wish Brett was here to laugh with me.  He would enjoy the have you ever situations as I did last night.  So let me ask you, have you ever considered the claims of Jesus Christ?  Have you ever given your life to Him?  Have you ever wondered what happens when you die?  Have you ever wondered why some go through tragedy and laugh, while others go through good times and are miserable?  Have you ever wondered why every time the Christians come under persecution, the gospel spreads more and faster?  If you wonder, stop wandering from God, and find out how wonderful He is.  Find out the message that Moses stuttered over is still true today.  That the special spokesman that God has provided is the Holy Spirit, who speaks your language.  Who will tell it to hookers, junkies, prisoners, and also businessmen, soccer moms, church folk, and other undesirable types.  A message that can be heard in any language, and found fulfilling in humorous anecdotes.  The message of Jesus....have you ever?

And so as we sat and remembered Brett, we laughed at times we laughed together.  Reading Duct Tapes out loud until we cried.  One time causing a scene in Burger King in Durango.  No way Christians should have that much fun.  But if Brett was here, he would tell you, in the words of the most famous stutterer of all times, “th-th-that’s all folks.”  And he should know, for he made it to heaven.  Have you ever been in church thinking abut your motorcycle, instead of riding and thinking about God?  

love with compassion,
Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

at the heart of the matter

We ride “motor” cycles, emphasizing the motor part.  Even Harley refers to itself as The Motor Company, so maybe there is something in a name.  And size of engine.  For years a 250cc was the buy in size for beginners, I started on a Honda 50.  At the time 250cc power was unheard of.  And when riding, the larger the motor, the bigger the presence.  My CB350 was cool, but sitting next to Frank’s CB450 he had the power over me.  650cc-wait a minute, that was for race bikes, or hooligans.  No one needed more power than that, even Edward Turner who was the father of the Triumph twin said so.  But then alone came Honda with a 750cc, and with 4 cylinders.  And disc brakes, electric start, and it somehow contained all the oil it had put into it.  Just pulling up next to one was a humbling experience.  Just blipping the throttle told you he was king, the four pipes singing a song previously reserved for the race track.  Then Kawasaki came out with the Z-1, 903cc!  This thing was bigger than a Sportster, which was at the time described as being so fast it will put hair on your chest, and if you already have hair there part it.  This was seriously fast, and could go 134 mph.  How could anyone hang onto something that fast?  And soon BMW had 900cc in their R90S, Honda was to follow with 900, then 1100cc versions, and the race was on....where would it all end?  But the power race was just beginning, the engines at the heart of the matter.

Technology is a great thing, and soon 500cc bikes were running with the big guys, and whereas more engine size gave you more power, now more engine came in smaller packages.  That would handle better, be easier to ride, and soon handling, brakes, and a highly tuned engine all were the things we were told we needed.  And of course we did, when they all added up to performance, more of it.  But soon, just as they had in the muscle car era, insurance companies in the early 1980’s singled out high performance bikes, referred to as “Ninja bikes,” based on the Kawasaki by that name.  Aimed at the Jap bikes at the time, whose performance was so far ahead of any one else, some were made to be uninsurable, to keep them off the streets.  Honda had a CB1100, Suzuki the GS1100, Kawasaki had the Ninja at 1000cc, and Yamaha had the FJ1100.  But my wallet and insurance budget would only cover the 650-750cc range, until one afternoon in July.  We all hear about the deal that cannot be refused, and that day I was offered it.  It was a left over 1985 FJ100, which had been sold two previous times, but never left the showroom.  No one could get insurance coverage on it, so it sat, until that afternoon.  Now at the time it was the fastest street bike, top speed 155 mph, with  a small fairing, new at the time.  It sold for $4995, big bucks to me, but the deal was offered, and it had me...if only I could get it insured.  The store offered me the bike for $3995, no one discounted bikes that much, and gave me retail for what my old bike, a 1983 CB650 Nighthawk, which I had gotten from Gary at Handlebar, getting a bigger discount by winning the flip of the coin.  So here I was, a deal no one would believe, and that I may never see again, I had to say yes-I mean what would you have done?

And because of my older age, over 30, I was insured with no problem.  And suddenly I realized what I had done, and what I had, so I had to take a trip to break in the bike.  Putting 7000 mile son it the first 3 weeks, speed not important, but I did do one stretch of 100 miles in one hour in Eastern Colorado...I finally was living the high performance dream, and the size of the motor part of motorcycle gave me bragging rights, and a new respect from other riders.  For 11 years, longer than I have ever owned a motorcycle, the FJ went everywhere I did, ego driven by 1100 cc’s is tough to beat.  Then the king, today the 675 Street Triple in the garage will whoop on it.  Still the engine is the heart of the matter.

We are always looking for more power, to gain control over things.  To feed our egos, to give us the advantage over the other guy.  But we look to alternative ways when we should be looking to Christ.  Who gives us a new definition of power, calling it meekness, power under control.  For 150 horsepower still takes the discipline of the wrist to deliver it to the pavement, too much you wheelie, and can lose all control.  Not enough throttle, you stall.  Some will push to redline, some past it, seeking more power.  But it is when riding the bike as designed, we get the most performance from it.  And like my rides, I want all the performance I can get from my God.  When He tells me He is healer, I want to see people healed.  When He tells me He provides, I want to see people’s needs met.  And when He tells me He saves, I want to see others saved.  I want all that God has to offer, I want all the blessings.  I want all I paid for when I gave my life to Christ-I want Jesus.  For only in Jesus will you get to the heart of the matter.  Only in Jesus  will you get the right power at the right time-His power.  Power in the hands of evil that could change the world, but in the hands of a loving God will still save it.  Power that is dependent on Him, not on me.  For when Jesus is the heart of the matter, we see things from God’s perspective, not through our own selfish eyes.  We see small people do great things, and powerful people losing their power.  We see evil plans go astray, and God’s plans before our very eyes, when we see them through His eyes.  We see a higher performance than we knew existed, and our 50cc life can sometimes produce more than a 200 hp race bike.  When we have the focus of Jesus, we no longer become narrowly focused, but ready to take on whatever He sends our way.  He adjusts our suspension to take the bumps, He adjusts our throttle so we get power to the pavement.  When He is in control, we have true high performance, no matter how it is measured.

Today we have electronic suspensions, traction control, and adjustable throttle settings-on motorcycles.  We have given over the power to think and adjust ourselves to a black box.  And when it fails, we don’t ride.  We sit and cuss, and watch, and wish for another ride.  Only in Jesus will we never be stranded.  Only in Him will all the power we ever need be there.  Only in Him will we have the power to decide when to use it, and only in Him, when used correctly, will we see blessings that we never could imagine.  A deal much better than the one for my FJ, one that will last through many bikes, as mine with Christ has.  Over the years, bikes have gotten more powerful, and more performance oriented.  I cannot count how many I have had, but I still count on the only God I have, and will ever need.  For when Jesus is the heart of the matter, everything you need is there with Him.  And nothing you don’t need.  Now that’s performance, that’s the kind of God I wish to worship.  Jesus Christ, a deal that may seem unbelievable, but with a little faith will be the best deal you ever made.  And by the way, His insurance comes with the deal.  One stop shopping for all your performance needs...why walk when you can be riding?  Offered to all riders of all engine sizes...performance you can count on.  No matter what you ride, nothing beats Jesus.  Nothing.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

wear clean underwear

Years ago Frank and I agreed that we are both not afraid to die.  We have given our lives to Jesus, and we know where we are going after we die-heaven.  And after going through life changing illnesses, we still agree.  Our confidence is not shaken, but we also agree that we are not sure of the process.  Something we are all faced with.  And it is no different for those of us who ride, from ads to parts managers to our peer riders, we are shown or told how to dress for the ride.  A man just spent $25k on his Harley Ultra Expensive Glide.  Then spends another $1500 on leathers, gotta look good when cruisin’ by at 25 mph, chaps in the wind when it’s 90 degrees out.  Then they go and spend $25 on a half shell helmet, non-DOT, and brag to their friends what rebels they are.  Even spending another $5 for a sticker to prove it.  BMW riders are no different, after raiding their 401k for the newest BMW to impress the elite, they buy their riding suits-ready for any weather, adding $1500 to their Amex card, but never will ride in the rain.  Too hard to clean the bike after.  But if it gets cold, they are ready-even on 90 degree days, Klim approved and ready to go wherever their adventure bike will take them. Just as long as the road is dry and clear. Sport bike riders are no different, without a full leather riding suit, knee pads, and full gauntlet gloves, you cannot go fast.  Or at least look like you could waiting for the light to turn green.  I fall somewhere in between, or below, depending on your take.  Years ago when a car turned in front of me at 45 mph, and I landed on my head, I was glad to have my Bell R-T on.  Even though it wore a hole in the helmet, the open face part allowed me slide on my face, leaving my left cheek look like it had been sandpapered.  And the ad telling me about a $10 head and a $10 helmet made sense then, and it does now.  I wear a full face Arai, quiet, light, and comfortable.  But I believe you should make the decision yourself, and be given a discount on your insurance for wearing one.  Not sure how that would go over in the mid west, where summer means shorts, flip flops, tank top, and no helmet while riding.  Or what to think of Barr, who I rode cross country with.  Just back from Iraq, he wore his leather jacket and gloves in all weather, up to 124 degrees when my Arai’s glue melted.  Claimed after being in 130 heat, it didn’t bother him.  But he wouldn’t wear a helmet-go figure.  And today we have a new acronym, ATGATT, All The Gear, All The Time reminding us to dress safe.  If only we were shown how to ride safe.  Or better yet, car drivers were taught to drive safe, without cell in hand, or under the influence of children.  Very few of us go down without the help of some irresponsible driver.  Fashion may make a statement, it doesn’t make a better rider.

Now I always wear gloves, deerskins, when riding.  Your first line of defense when falling is your hands, and engines get hot.  Plus you leave no fingerprints.  And talking with Fu last night, a new rider, he reminded me of how his MSF class taught him to always dress safely.  Trendy, and also so when not on your bike, the public knows what you are riding.  Just in case carrying your new helmet didn’t give you away.  On older riders we can tell by the bugs in their beards, and the way they hobble from too much seat time.  You decide.  They are called accidents because they are unplanned, unwanted, and uninvited.  And when asked after being hit from behind by a woman, if I wished I had more riding gear on, my answer was “I wish she hadn’t hit me.”  And no I didn’t have on clean underwear to go to the hospital.

Now if you are looking for a lesson on wearing the armor of God, sorry.  You missed the point.  The point is about choice, and the choices we make.  To ride or not to ride?  Jesus or hell?  King James or NIV?  Honda or Harley?  These are all important decisions we make.  With the one abut Jesus meaning life or death.  But only God lets you choose, no one forces you to go to heaven, or hell, although your parents may have made you go to church.  If I had known I was going to be hit that day, I might have stayed home.  Taken another route.  But they are called accidents, and we don’t know if or when they are going to happen.  But here are some for sure facts, to help you choose.  You will never get VD if you only have sex with your spouse, who has not had sex with anyone else.  If you never drink, you will never be an alcoholic.  If you never try drugs, you will never become a junkie.  Few set out to ruin their lives, yet the results are still the same.  One bad choice got them there, one good choice, turning to Jesus will get you out.  A helmet might not prevent an accident, but I am glad I wore one when I needed it.  And going to church, reading the Bible more, and praying more won’t save you-it takes Jesus, and trusting Him.  So I wish to offer another acronym, ATGATT.  Always Trust God, All The Time!  And show it by your choices you make.  Which show self control, a fruit of the spirit in your life.  Learn to avoid accidents by staying away from situations where they might occur.  Trouble with drinking, stay out of bars and friends who do.  Sex, R is the new X rating, just one peak doesn’t hurt, or does it?  As Billy Graham put it, the first glance is normal, the second is lustful.  Drugs, stay away from those who use them and avoid the temptation.  Bad company corrupts good morals, learn the power in saying no.  And say yes to Jesus, where the real power lays. Live to ride another day, another road.  Spend time with Jesus, and as you get to know Him better, you see sin in a different way, and you want to avoid it.  Your choice-only found in Jesus, not in any other religion.  Or philosophy.  Or fellowship.  Just you and Jesus, and when He becomes real, you make better decisions. 

So never leave the house for any reason without Jesus.  Let Him guide your ride.  And enjoy the ride better.  $25k and 25 miles don’t make you a biker.  Clothes don’t make the man, Jesus does.  You can’t buy your way into Him either.  He is more than the clothes you wear or the bike you ride.  He is life.  And life is for the living.  And so those of us who know Jesus are not afraid to die.  And even though not sure of the process, trust Him daily.  And because of Him we know where we are going, even after we die.  ATGATT-Always Trusting God, All The Time.  Clean underwear optional.  Some decisions will always be more important than others. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com