the way we weren't

While reading about an event sometimes, I actually wonder if I was there, or if I was someplace else.  This past weekend we enjoyed going to the Mecum Collector Car Auction in Anaheim.  We had a great time, as over 200 vehicles crossed the auction block that day.  All types of cars, from a 1939 V-16 Cadillac, to a Googoomobile, from three Ford GT 40’s, to many Corvettes.  It seemed there was a car for every pocket, or line of credit, a 1976 Chrysler sold for $750, and a short nose Ferrari from 1965 sold for $2.125 million!  Prices that when they were new would have been unthinkable, yet the desirability of certain cars drives up the prices.  Just because they didn’t sell once, they may be rare now as a 1970 Hemi Cuda was.  A no sale at $185,000.  New about $6000, if we had only known....I stood next to the sellers of a 1953 Cadillac convertible, red and beautiful, that sold for $220,000.  And the guy never showed any emotion, his wife on the other hand was jumping up and down.  Sadly many cars will only become trailer queens, used only as an investment, which at least is more attractive to look at than a stock certificate.  And can at least be driven in moments of weakness.  But one 2005 GT 40 with only seven miles was sold for $360,000, and as one guy commented, every time it is moved and gains miles, the value goes down.  A 1958 Corvette in Sunburst Yellow was a no sale, it was beautiful.  I was amazed at the overall high quality of cars and trucks, from an Auburn to a Lincoln Continental from the 40’s, to an old driver ed. car used in Mexico, with two steering wheels, one side was for the gas, the other side could only use the clutch.  Ah, the good old days.  Conspicuous by their absence were any Ramblers, Hudsons, although one Hudson pickup was there, I still want one, some Studebaker trucks, no Kaisers or Frazers, and other orphan makes were absent.  Interestingly enough VW Beetles and Vans were there, one 23 window van bringing $150,000!  My first house cost $45,000, but didn’t have as many windows.  But what has caught my eye lately, and I want is an old truck.  We once had a 1949 Ford F-3 pickup, and wish I hadn’t sold it.  We cut wood in it, Christopher used to play in it for hours, but we had no need for it.  So we sold it, wish I hadn’t been so practical that day.  But trucks are hot, and can be had, or could be had at one time cheaper than cars.  But not this weekend....

Growing up trucks were trucks, they moved things, built things, fixed things, hauled things, and grew things.  They were purpose built and many were used up and parked, or used up and parted out.  Six cylinders with three on the tree, no sound insulation, and a rough ride...now they have replaced cars as the most popular new vehicle sold, and ride better than most cars.  So are priced accordingly.  We saw restored 1948-55 Chevy trucks for up to $35,000.  Ford 1953-56 for the same price.  Trucks that once worked hard, now are chopped, customized, custom painted, and have big horsepower V-8’s installed, and are only driven to cruise nights.  Not the way we were, they are now the way they weren’t.  And maybe we are too, as the next generation will mostly find these rebuilt trucks, and maybe wonder if that is how it was.  How we were.  And all it takes is a little craftsmanship, an auction, and a desire, and soon history will be rewritten.  “Where have all the old trucks gone,” they’ll wonder.  They will have faded into history along with their owners.  And new stories will be written about them, stories told, and history changed.  From a different perspective, just not a true one.

Yet there were some survivors, one 1939 Chevy was repainted, engine rebuilt, a steal at $12,500.  Looked like a truck used to.  A few older Chevies also, still with the old Stovebolt 6, three on the tree, and repainted.  Like I remember them when they were new, and so was I.  But in contrast two GMC’s, big trucks were there, one with patina, and was cool, a 1948, the other a 1954, redone into a car hauler.  both cool, but one was an old workhorse, the other a new one.  Back when trucks had character, and weren’t pretty, these tow were tough.  As was also a 1930’s Ford, turned into a flatbed, but unrestored.  I still love the smell of old trucks.  So they were there from cool to hot, from old to renewed, from Ford to Hudson.  Studebakers redone, how many of today’s generation ever heard of them, yet in 1953 the company was 100 years old!  So for very purse and purpose there was something.  And a good time was had by all.

We even got to meet Dana Mecum, founder and President, a real nice guy.  And met many others whose passion is cars and trucks.  Some for investment, some for a promise made long ago, some day I’ll have one, and some just caught up in the moment.  A few I wish I had money for, both moments and promises fading fast.  Maybe the way we weren’t, or the way we wanted to be, but the way we are, or turned out.  More servants than served, we saw life from behind the scenes, rather than from the stage.  But maybe, we had the best seat in the house and didn’t know it.

The first recorded miracle of Jesus, after his miraculous birth, we find him at a wedding.  He is about 30, his young mother in her mid 40’s.  The wedding has gone on for days, and the wine is gone.  So she approaches her son, asking him for more, knowing of his deity.  And Jesus comes through, with a wine like no other ever or now.  A wine that wasn’t crushed, wasn’t purified, wasn’t coddled along, and that wasn’t fermented.  It was pure, as it came from heaven, and was the best wine of the wedding feast.  Even the guests were amazed, as usually the good stuff is served first, but here the best was saved for last.  Yet only Jesus and his mother knew about it, not any of the others there that day.  With ne exception, the servants, as they had been told to fill the 6 casks with water, and knew what they had put in them.  They saw a miracle before their very eyes, and didn’t know it was going on.  Much like we live today, servants wondering what is going on, when right before our very eyes God is performing miracles.  For the servants, not the served, but the ones low in stature and spirit.  For it was among them that Jesus felt most comfortable.  While the others were celebrating, they served.  But our time is coming, and those who serve God will have heavenly rewards.  We will see Jesus face to face, and we will experience miracles now.  Just like there are many high priced cars that never get driven, there are high priced people who never experience the things of Christ.  Sunday only, special events, and expensive banquets, they miss the daily miracles of food, housing, and love because they have never never had.  They may drink of fine wine, but were never part of the vine, that Jesus tells us we must be part of.  Not to exclude rich from heaven,  only saved people go, but it is down in the trenches of life where the miracles are needed, and so often seen.  Where it takes faith, then obedience, then trust to just get through the day.  It is the old work trucks that saw the action, that somehow survived, and tell us how it was.  With only a few thousand Corvettes old each year, many only dreamed, and still do.  Yet the work horse, the servants, the trucks were there...and so is Jesus.

Consider how blessed the servants were that day, they saw and knew of the miracle.  The guests only partook of it, knowing it was good, never knowing why.  But we do, and we serve that living, loving God today.  Not because of what he has done, but because of who he is.   We see daily miracles, our daily bread handed out as needed, and dreams come true, all because of Jesus.  A simple request from his mother turned out to be his first public miracle.  The miracles are still there today, are you seeing them?  He ahs given us eyes to see, open them in the spirit, they are everywhere.  Some big, some small.  Some life saving, some life changing.  Some just ordinary, but look at the little ones, and you will recognize the bigger ones.  The servants must have had stories to tell when they got home.  Some remember the day as the way it was, some as the it wasn’t.  How you remember Jesus is your best witness. “Do this in remembrance of me..” he says.  I wonder, did he bring the wine that night?  Jesus Christ, the way we are, fortunately we face the future the way we weren’t.  No orphans at the auction, nor are we orphans any more.  We are family, so enjoy the times now, and serve while we can.  That’s where the action is.  That’s where Jesus is.  And that’s where I want to be. And the best is yet to come.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

checking out

My old friend Joe made a living for years at the checkout stand.  Or really just before you check out, he owned and filled those cheesy wire racks at the check out stands.  You know the ones, filled with junky, impulse items you never would consider, until faced to look at them for a few minutes.  Plastic soldiers, junk sold only on TV, bobby pins, kids books, and other non-necessary items, not one something you need or went in for, but end up walking out with.  Priced so as to make a difference, no more than $2, and attractively arranged so kids can grab them, how many time did you or your kids throw one in the cart, and the cashier ask “do you really want this?”  And it is easier to say yes than listen to a whiny kid for the long ride home.  Where else can you get peace of mind and a nanny for $2?  Or be guaranteed a ride home free from “are we there yet?”  So Joe did well, until the stores caught on themselves, and did it internally.  So I always think of him when standing in line, picking up a Hershey bar I don’t need, or reading some stupid newspaper I never would buy or deny reading.  I watch as kids are handed things like toys, and then try to take them away rather than pay for them, to no avail.  Novelty items they are called, and somehow we just can’t resist.  Look in your junk drawer at home....see what I mean?

Another friend Ted once had the largest single grocery store in 26 western states.  He advertised you bag it yourself, and save.  Place things on warehouse like shelving, and the people loved it.  A far cry from when you had someone callously put your eggs in with heavy items, and remember double bagging?  How about those insulated bags for ice cream that never seemed to work?  I bet somewhere you can find a museum dedicated to them.  Then came “paper or plastic?” and now plastic will soon be against the law.  Bring your own bags, after you buy them, or pay 10 cents for a paper one.  Which you can also bring back.  Remember these used to be called full service markets.  And you carry out your own bags, place them ever so gently in your SUV for the ride home, and hope it all makes it safe.  Somehow the ice cream still arrives slightly melted, so you just have to sample a bowl or two. 

And remember the clerk who used to call out the prices as she rang you up?  Now we barcode, and we trust the scanner to be right.  Once an acquired skill, anyone can scan and bag now, and many do at self service checkouts, which in my case always require the assistance of the woman who is standing guard for people like me who are self serve ignorant.  Which I avoid unless in a hurry, I like the attention of someone checking me out.  And even checks are handled differently, at one time a code was written on them by the cashier, your home phone, driver’s license and some other info.  Now we swipe a card, or pay cash-if you have two ID’s. And at one time a credit card was used as an ID, now you must show you r license, with a picture on it.  And if and when you pay by check, it is run through another scanner, and who knows how much about you they are scanning.  But the lines somehow don’t go any faster, prices never go down, I miss hearing the cashier tell me the price, and how such and such is a better deal.  I miss the bag boy, who always said “you’re welcome.”  The old ice cream bags, and real bags from paper.  That we used to make book covers from for our school books.  We didn’t know we were recycling then.  Just doing what the older kids did.

And one last vestige gone is deposit bottles.  Whenever we needed money as kids, there were always glass bottles to pick up and take in, 2 cents for small, and 5 cents for large.  A wagon load could get you enough for ice cream and a soda.  Today we have gone to one way plastic, which now has a deposit on it, and we recycle.  Seems the more things come around, they come around.  And I still dream of hearing over  loud speaker, “carry out on check stand 3!”  Or the manager’s vice alerting you to the special in produce.  K MART will always be known for their “blue light special,” and at one time women tried to impress others with their bags.  Nordstrom’s, Sears, Hess Bros. were all shopping backs to show off, even if shopping at K Mart.  But those days are gone, long gone.  And the old belief of two ways to make more money, either more people, or more dollars per sale is alive and well.  Just not service oriented.  A famous ad once saw a daughter yelling at her mother, “Mother please, I rather do it myself.”  Now she has to. 

And with Internet sales replacing mail order, and consumers wishing to get the most from their shopping, it seems everything is priced to sell.  At a price that seems right for that item.  $1.99 sells better than $2.03, 10 cents each or two for a quarter still sells more for the quarter, and who can read the long list of computerized descriptions when you get home.   Do the item counters at Costco really count all your items?  Do we always get what we paid for?  How willing are we to settle for less?  Today I watch as some people still stumble over what they eat.  Some even divide over religious foods, kosher or non.  Hoping the meat inspector who took the bribe is honest.  But today many eat things, do things, or don’t do things based on religious practices.  Bound by laws they don’t understand, some acting high and mighty because they don’t eat certain foods.  Now my eating habits have changed, but I won’t preach at you, eat what you want.  And one women at our Bible study always try to impress us with her eating habits.  While sneering at us when eating a croissant or pizza.  Her natural pizza is better.  Maybe that is why she is overweight.  But it really comes down to freedom, freedom to make the decision of eat or be eaten.  Paul tells us in Romans of those who stumble over dietary laws, then spread it to other matters.  He tells how their faith is weak under laws, and many lose the freedom God has given in all areas.  And don’t enjoy eating, something God created and is necessary to sustain life.  So he made it fun and enjoyable.  Can you imagine a Kosher inspector when Jesus fed the 5000?  The fact that God supplied it, must it still have man’s stamp on it?  Yet many do things today under the law, rather than in the spirit.  And this ideology filters down to other decisions too.  My church or religion says no.  We don’t dance, no instruments.  We don’t believe in healing.  You must give 10%, and do these works to be saved.  Which can cast doubt on those who not under the same burdens.  God leaves some things up to us, but yet we don’t go to him.  Our conscience will tell us, but if the law says it is OK, or the church condones it, then it OK to sin.  And they brag about what they cannot do, while I brag about what God does.  All things can be done in Christ, in his strength.  Yet if you play an instrument like King David did, you dance in the spirit, or have been healed miraculously, they deny it.  Until they get hungry or sick, then the rules change. 

Try freedom for a change, you really only know about a law when you break it and someone reminds you.  I have never been pulled over and thanked for going the speed limit.  Find a freedom in Christ that allows you to make the decision, not some church or religion.  Jesus was always trying to be tripped up by the Pharisees, to see which law they could catch him breaking.  But like in real life, the accusers know because they usually are guilty of that sin.  Dedicate yourself to Christ, you were once forbidden, God has made a way to him.  We accept those that choose to live under the law, funny how those under the law try to find fault with us.  Aren’t we all forgiven, for all sins by Jesus?  Do what God says is right, and love others.  And you will find love not only covers a multitude of sins, but opens up a freedom in Christ you didn’t know about.  And his spirit in you will let you know when you stray, and he’ll forgive you, so you can move on.  A full service God, who at checkout,will find you not guilty, but innocent.  And welcome you home, rather than pinning a list on you for Judgment Day.  We are forgiven, we are free.  So have the attitude of Christ, who although was God, came to earth as a man to serve.  Take Paul’s advice, and just live a life of goodness, peace, and love and enjoy life.  God has written his law of love on our hearts, the only way to show them is love.  Not by telling others what to eat, or how to worship.  Led by the spirit, not by law.  It’s your choice.  No will that be paper or plastic?  Cash or check?  Only Jesus makes checking out so easy.  Let us be known by our love, not our laws.  Would you rather be forgiven or condemned?  Smoking or non?  Heaven or hell?  Now there is something to be concerned about....we will all check out someday.  To which Jesus says “you’re welcome.”

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when did it first happen to you?

We were discussing the other day during Goldfinger, who was the best Bond?  And it just happened to be the first one you saw.  For us oldsters in was Sean Connery, for those in between Roger Moore, no one remembers Timothy Dalton, and a whole new generation thinks Remington Steele, I mean Pierce Brosnan is Bond at his best.  But we base Bond on the first Bond movie we saw, so Sean, brother, you are the consummate Bond for me.  Roger tried, the others, well they are still others.  No one is or was as suave and smooth as Connery, and even as he got older, never lost his touch.  When did it happen to me?  Rialto Theatre in Westfield, Goldfinger, at age 12, with the guys in the neighborhood.  The older ones describing what was going on, there was sex, violence, gadgets, sex, and more sex.  We all wanted to be 007....at least until we were old enough to ride. 

A friend had a Honda 50, then a Kawasaki.  Tough guys rode Harleys, cool guys rode Triumphs, and they were the last vestige of the once powerful British Empire’s reign over motorcycles.  Names like Honda were replacing them some were even fortunate enough to by pass minibikes, and go right to a small Yamaha or Suzuki.  Depending upon where you lived, and the closest dealer, that is what you rode.  And if your friend rode a Kawi, then he was in at the Kawasaki shop, and they treated you better, just don’t park a Honda out front.  The only shops were single marque shops, although some still held onto their BSA and Royal Enfield franchises, even though the bikes were no more.  Bicycle shops sold Suzukis, Hondas were sold from garages, and Yamahas sold with BMW’s at a bicycle store.  Sporting good stores sold them too, as most were under 100cc, and cheap, under $250.  And like your choice of Bond, when you started riding defined your Golden Age.  Anything older was old, anything newer was compared to it, and for me 1972, when I got my license is when it all began.  I had been riding for 5 years, but my first bike, a new 1972 Honda CB350 is where all comparisons start and end.  So when talking with a friend who is sales manager for a multi line dealer, about 10 years younger, we commented on the new bikes, and our memories of when we started.  What excited us, and how new bikes sometimes just don’t do it, although performance wise they are superior, and more reliable.  How many would push their bike home as we did then, if it broke?  How many would still ride if they had to wait for parts, with writing in Japanese on them?  Ever replace an inner throttle cable?  Change the points, and condensor?  Set the timing?  Every 6000 miles?  We did, no checking the oil by looking at a sight glass, or even going on reserve, a light tells us no when we need gas, and a gauge tells us miles to empty.  Battery low, we used to kickstart them, and the smaller bikes would only kick start!  Ever pinch a tube on a Saturday night after the shop closed?  We patched many a tube for Sunday riding, stopping every half hour to refill it, but we rode.  No turn signals, shift or right or left, some 1 up, the rest down, some the opposite.  You learned to ride...no MSF class to get your license, you learned from friends, in back alleys, school parking lots, and where you wouldn’t attract the police.  Under a buck to fill up, and riding a motorcycle instantly made you the most loved, envied, hated, and disrespected all at once.  You were branded a hood, memories of Brando persisted, and you were thought to be part of a gang.  But you found out about brotherhood, girls dug you, and you understood freedom.  Wind in the face while wearing your Buco GT open face, maybe a leather, but usually a windbreaker.  So when did it first happen to you?  What do you remember?  When was your Golden Age?  When did your first good time roll?  When did you meet the nicest people?  Did you ever Solo Suzuki?  And to a whole new generation the good old days haven’t yet begun.  What will they remember?  What brands will they have loyalty to?  Sean or Roger?  Maybe Pierce or Daniel Craig.  But whoever, their first will never be forgotten. And the benchmark for future Moneypenny’s and motorcycles.

When did Jesus first happen to you?  Maybe at church or Sunday school.  Maybe a VBS.  But for me it was on a beach in Venice, running when a man told me about Jesus.  During the Jesus People Revolution, and when we got saved, our lives changed.  Suddenly we went to Bible studies, church, we quit drinking, cussing, and chasing girls.  We wanted to please God, but at times it was hard.  Nice guys didn’t ride, but many of us did.  And we found fellowship together, when we met.  Selling motorcycles at Motorsport in Albuquerque, my friend Brett used to bring other Christians by to see me, like I was a side show.  The first bike I sold was to a Christian, and it opened up the door for more fellowship.  My whole world revolved around Jesus, then motorcycles, and I was immersed in true brotherhood.  I had learned from riding about our brotherhood of bikers, but with Jesus it became a true brotherhood of believers.  My Golden Age began at 21, and when sharing today with younger, they wonder how it was.  How excited we got when the first real Christian music from groups like Parable, John Fisher, Second Chapter of Acts, and Daniel Amos changed our listening habits.  How when the first Christian radio station in Albuquerque KLYT came on, and we knew everyone there.  A far cry from the many stations and artists recording today.  Hanging out at The Wharf, a Christian coffeehouse, long before Starbucks redefined them.  We were called Jesus Freaks, Bible thumpers, and many lives were changed.  We read, we studied, we prayed, we fellowshipped, and many of us were brought up on Acts 2:42.  If you invited one, you got us all.  And even though we all went to many different churches, we had Jesus in common.  Almost 40 years of salvation later, I still look ahead.  And after 47 years of riding, I still look back.

Motorcycles have never become boring to me, although the price of admission is greater.  And with more power, better handling, more accessories, and more riders, maybe a new Golden Age is here.  It will be for many getting their first bike, taking their first trip, and becoming part of a brotherhood.  But for me Jesus is still it, maybe even more exciting today than when I first believed.  The price of admission is still the same, and with many new fellowships, it is easy to find one to fit you.  But an even more Golden Age awaits all who believe, the Rapture, our final ride on earth, from earth.  Reserved for those who believe, who are part of a family.  Who said yes to Jesus, no to sin, and wait patiently for his return.  Well, maybe some less patient than others.  But our brotherhood grows everyday, and as I get older I see how important the older guys like us are.  Sharing, leading, teaching, and showing the way.  A witness of how Jesus Christ can change a life for the best.  And although many who were my riding heroes are not riding or gone, we know what lies ahead. 

So what are the best times?  Maybe not as easy to remember as the best Bond, but we have a bond with Christ making every day our best.  I once wanted to be James Bond, then Steve McQueen.   Now I want Jesus first and foremost.  Bonds will come and go, so will motorcycle brands.  But Jesus never changes....the good old days are here now.  And tomorrow, just like they were yesterday.  I think that deserves a ride.  Jesus and motorcycles, it just don’t get any better.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

buy on rumor, sell on news

Back to real life here, we are governed by what others think.  We are told via polls what  we should drive, what breakfast cereal to eat, and how long we are going to live.  Opinions, they have become the facts for today.  And there are time when they weigh heavy in the decision making process.  Does this bike make my butt look big?  All my friends drive Hondas, will they accept my Kawasaki? Dunlops last longer, and GM makes fine cars, they sell a lot so they must be good.  But the where, when, and how the question is asked the pollee is important.  “Do you like attending funerals?” after the death of a loved one will draw different answers than “were you glad to attend Paul McCartney’s funeral?”  Note-Sir Paul is alive as of this writing.  For instance my opinion of helicopter rides changed after being life flighted.  And it always amuses me the amount of people who complain in San Diego when it stops raining, telling how much they miss it.  Try Portland.  For cold weather, try Minnesota.  For humidity, try New Orleans.  Face it, you’re here for he weather, get over it, and it is near to perfect.  So we all have opinions, and if you think red bikes get pulled over more, let me remind you bikes going 30 over the posted speed limit get pulled over more, no matter the color.  Maybe my next ride will be red, what do you think?  And will I wish I hadn’t if I get pulled over?  None of your business, but that’s just my opinion.

If I had money, or if I ever get any, the stock market will never see it.  I don’t get how one day the Dow goes up 250 points, then falls 300 the next day.  Market correction, they say, so you admit it was wrong?  Or is that just your opinion?  But one day I heard a statement that explained it all to me, and enforced my staying away from there.  Also an empty wallet helped too.  Buy on rumor, sell on news.  You mean this whole free enterprise stock system is based on rumor and innuendo?  I thought these guys were smart, are they really just lucky?  Would you trust someone with your money based on rumor?  Yet millions do, for rumor turns to opinions, and then can be altered to look like truth.  When really it is truth altered to fit the mood.  Based on that one statement, do you realize the whole world is hanging in economic balance based on rumor?  What could happen in Russia?  Will the Yankees win the Series?  Will a Democrat or Republican become president?  It may snow this winter, or get dark tonight?  And somehow these prognosticators define your investments.  They deal fast and loose with your money, I wonder where they invest their’s?

So while much buying is based on rumor, selling is based on news.  ISIS is taking over oil fields-SELL.  We need to get our money now before the stock dips too far.  And for those who bought on the rumor ISIS will seize oil fields and sell oil on the black market, they saw prices go down, and will make a profit.  See how easy it is.  Remember Blue Chip stocks like GM, IBM, and Standard Oil?  No more, the game has changed, and now technology companies will be around, and a good place to have your money.  Or so I am told, by a man who deals with opinions, a stock broker.  Who gets commission on each sale.  Should you trust a man telling you to buy and sell based on his making an income based on your decisions?  He is making money betting on yours, on e street we call them bookies.  And look where GM is now, bankrupt and those who invested their life savings lost it all.  Unless they believed the rumor about GM.  And rumors are the death knell in the financial market.  And the super market.

Even in the auto business, I worked where parts departments were based on rumored availability of key parts being short, went and over ordered just in case, and then the supply was short.  Cause and effect or rumor and result?  How many bought the last American convertible, the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado based on its investment potential?  40 years later they are still waiting, just to break even.  And where were the rumors in 1955 about Chevy Bel Air convertibles?  New about $2000, today, $75-100,000!  How could we have missed that one?  Weren’t cars made to drive and enjoy?  “Hey, get your feet off the seat, this is an investment.”  And in real estate we are told you didn’t pay too much, you just bought too early.  I bought my house as a home, what’s my problem?  What do you think?  I’ll bet a guy living in an apartment has a different opinion than the man who just bought at short sale?  Or who just sold at a loss.  So we not only buy on rumor, but live on rumor.  And living on rumor is no way to live.  Would you wish to live basing each decision you make on being profitable?  Yet many do, and end up rich, but are really poor and don’t even know it.

I ask people, “if you compromise, when do you stop?”  Aren’t your morals being compromised?  Your values?  Where is the logic in “can’t we agree to disagree?”  Yet over the years I have watched as Christians foolishly, who believe the Bible, predict when Jesus is going to return.   Some men spend their entire lives predicting it, only to be wrong.  And the latest a few years ago by Harold Camping showed up on billboards, and of course was wrong.  When god tells us even Jesus doesn’t know, what makes them think he would tell them?  Forever ruining their witness, their testimony being one of lies and rumors.  And innuendos.  Would you listen to them?  How important are your actions, and how do they back up your words?  So whatever day you think it is, it isn’t. Be assured of that.  And Jesus warns us, to be wary when someone claims to have seen him, for he too doesn’t know the time and date of his return.  He only tells us to be ready.  For it could be at any moment.  Same with people who are wondering who will the anti-Christ be?  He isn’t revealed until midway through the tribulation, if you are that curious, deny Jesus and find out.  For those of us in heaven we won’t care, and it won’t matter.  We won’t be here,so concern yourselves with things while you are here.  Showing Christ’s love rather than trying to decipher the mysteries of God.  It takes the spirit, and only the spirit to reveal the mysteries of God, how about just worshipping him instead?  Smart people don’t go to heaven, only saved ones. 

And finally the illusion of heaven, via near death experiences.  White lights, tunnels, seeing loved ones.  Again what does God say?  True, these folks saw something, yet we are told “eye has not seen, no r ear heard, nor mind imagined the things of the kingdom.”  So whatever it is, you haven’t seen it.  My experience coming face to face with Jesus is “I want to go back.”  I cannot describe it,  for finite words cannot describe an infinite God.  Yet many will live on rumor, and die on the news.  Do you believe Jesus is the son of God?  You have answered well, and if you believe, heaven awaits, God says so.  Argue with him.  Yet some trust horoscopes, Nostradamus,and tarot cards, based on luck. Luck which doesn’t exist, because the God who created us, who sent Jesus has everything under control.  Nothing surprises him, maybe you should consult him before investing your money or your life in anything but him.  Too many drive old beaters today who used to lease BMW’s, who invested greedily and lost it all.  Sadly too many follow cults leading to destruction.  Read 2 John, and 1 John 4.  Test the spirits, many do with their money, but not their lives. 

God never asks your opinion.  And the one time people voted, they voted to crucify his son.  Maybe a lesson there for all of us.  We say we trust God, even our money says so, but do we?  Jesus is coming back soon, and soon is sooner than we know.  Invest your life in him today, not on rumor, but on truth backed by faith.  The news 2000 years ago was he died and was resurrected.  Over 500 saw him, the tomb was empty.  You have the facts, and if you fail to believe them before, you really won’t like it when he returns.  Be warned, he is returning.  Invest your life in him now, the only sure and best investment you will ever make.  You cannot take it with you, when John D. Rockefeller died, the richest man in he world, how much did he leave?  The same amount we will-everything.  I’ve invested my life in Jesus, where have you invested yours?  If only Wall Street was so wise.  Remember even the Dow Jones is only average.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

a motorcycle kind of mood

After three days of altered schedules, and over 250 miles in a car, I am back to riding again.  Necessity dictated the car, and I was glad to have it, but back on two wheels as it should be.  And to be honest, I don’t know how you guys drive cars all the time.  To start with without a passenger I had to share lanes while dodging SUV piloted cell phone junkies.  No commuter lane except when I had a passenger, the main and only reason I was in a car.  I used over $50 in gas, I’m used to filling up for $15 or less.  No wind in my face, classic rock has turned to classic boredom, and I was bored...and boring.  So back in the saddle again, I chose to ride the GS1000 yesterday, it needed some exercise, and I needed some two wheel therapy.  I was in the mood where I just wanted to ride and enjoy the ride, not be bothered, and for some reason this one time Super bike champion is invisible to today’s riders.  Everyone waves to my Bonneville, it is cool.  Some wave at the Tiger, only those who ride adventure bikes really can appreciate the cool, and sport bike guys nod in approval of the Street Triple.  But the Suzuki is almost invisible, no one knows what it is.  Even with Suzuki on the tank, I had one guy comment the other day, “I had one just like it, nice Honda.”  Can it really be that a motorcycle that was a Superbike Champion with Wes Cooley for a few years be that forgotten?  Where have they all gone, I rarely see one anywhere, even for sale?  And this bike still rocks...120 mph at redline in 4th, how many new bikes will keep up with it?  Maybe the perfect bike to go unnoticed on, until I pass you, and you can’t catch me.  Yet today, the Street Triple it shares a garage with will out perform it in every way, with only 675cc’s.  Maybe things have changed...is it possible I haven’t?

Our Tiger used to get limited use, but still has over 91,000 miles on it, and takes us both places.  It has been in 48 states-how many can say that, or say that about their bike?  Yet without the adventure bike craze started by BMW, they would go unnoticed, yet it is more comfortable to tour on, is lighter, and gets better mileage.  Just no radio, plush animal, or barn door sized windshield.  Ride a bike or drive a Buick.  Again no respect, just fun to ride.  But most of the time I am in a Bonneville mood.  Cool bikes, everybody had one once, wished they never sold it, and wants to tell you stories about it.  No other motorcycle is as cool, and as easy to ride.  Some are faster, some handle better, some have better brakes.  Most cost more, but for under $9000 for a new 2014, they are the way to go.  And on my 2005 with 69,000 miles, it is the brother to Theresa’s with 78,000 miles.  No leaks to identify them as a Triumph, they just keep the miles and smiles coming, for after 100 feet you find yourself smiling for no reason at all...something about a Bonneville that is cool.  Steve McQueen rode on, and we all wanted to be Steve, and Bud Ekins raced and sold them, and Steve wanted to be Bud.  Brando, Lee Marvin, and Clint Eastwood rode them...and so you can have different motorcycle moods, that take different motorcycles.  And why you must have more than one....have your wife call me, just not on her cell from her SUV. 

So many moods, so many roads, and so many choices, yet we all have one common denominator-we ride.  A choice we make, for no one has to ride a motorcycle.  We want to, we get to, and maybe that is why we take the long way home.  We put up with stupid drivers in cars, and wait patiently while you put 40 gallons in them at a time, we are tolerant of your disability.  They can only drive a car or take the loser cruiser or car pool-not cool at all.  Yet we arrive happy, and with less stress, the only stress from car drivers, and wear helmet head as a badge of honor.  With a great deal of evidence I can say “some have therapy, I ride a motorcycle.”  Ever see one parked outside a psychiatrist’s office?  Yet many mental breakdowns can be averted if only they rode.  Ask any kid if he rather ride in Grandpa’s cool SUV or on Grandma’s boring bike, they’ll tell you.  So why aren’t you riding?  I get it, your Precis gets better mileage.....I’ll bet your kids think you are really cool.

Many look at religion the same way.  “All religions are the same, all churches the same.”  And never having stepped into one they are an authority.  Probably never rode a motorcycle either.  Yet those of us who walk with Jesus know different.  And that choosing Jesus, like riding is a choice we make.  No one is forced to go to church, or to ride.  And God never tells you that you must be saved, only to be saved if you want to go to heaven.  Unlike some misinformed heathens, you are born into sin, and need a savior.  If you don’t choose Jesus, the only way to avoid hell, then you are choosing hell, and God will honor your request.   God doesn’t send anyone to hell, it is their choice.  And I don’t get it, freedom, equality, courtesy, love, joy, and peace, and yet many say no?  What part of eternal pain and suffering is attractive?  And yes, religion can be bad, don’t confuse Jesus with religion.  The Pharisees knew the difference and wanted to crucify him.  Based on all things religious.  By the way the word religious means bound, just like tied up in traffic, tied up in lies, and with no freedom to choose.  So maybe all religions are the same, it is Jesus that makes the difference.  Only in him are you free, free to choose, and free to make your own decisions.  Yet some cannot handle freedom, or even the idea of it.  And since they fear it, it must be bad.  And they have it all backwards. 

When God so loved the world he sent his only son, he sent him to show the way, to show truth.  To show love, and save us.  Something religion cannot do.  It is personal, and just like driving a cookie cutter SUV may make you fit in, Jesus makes you outstanding.  Let’s you be who you are, and encourages you rather than dictate to you.  Some days you need to take the car, other days you rather ride.  But it is your choice.  But at least you get to choose.

Many choices out there for ways to ride.  And different moods for each.  Some fast, some cruise, some keep going when the road ends.  Some forgotten after 36 years, some living on their reputation.  But still riding.  Same with Jesus.  We can rejoice with him, weep with him, ride fast, or just cruise through the day.  He never leaves us, nor forsakes us for a better ride, and even when forgotten, he welcomes us back.  He forgives and is forgiving.  If freedom in Christ sounds attractive, try Jesus today.  If religion has given you bad time, turn to Jesus.  And if you never gave him a chance, try him out today.  Find out the facts, don’t believe the lies.  Jesus is the way, the truth ,and the light.  For nights when you want to ride.  For days when you just can’t take the car anymore.  For peace and comfort, when faced with frustration.  For eternal life, and it is your choice.  It has been said that only those who ride know why a dog hangs  his head out the window in a car.  Are you smarter than a dog?  Choose Jesus.  The ride of your life.  He is a motorcycle kind of mood, even in four wheels.  Find out what true freedom is today.  Why worry when you can walk with him?  And why drive when you can ride?  Suddenly it feels like a Bonneville kind of day...hope your God is as cool, mine is.  Honestly, I don’t know how you guys get by without him...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com