the thrill of ownership

How many times were you out in your Dad’s car, feeling cool driving a car way above your income and social level, when you met, or hoped to meet the attractive girl standing in front of the bowling alley, or Korvettes?  You drove a little slower, maybe cranked up the tunes from the powerful AM radio, and made sure she noticed you, well really the car you were driving.  You finally make eye contact after your third or fourth trip around, and she notices.  Finally.  Stopping you ask her “wanna ride?” she says yes, and the next thing you know she is in the front seat, riding next to you, even if it three feet way.  She likes the car, notices how cool it is, and asks if it is yours.  Being a sophisticated 17, you lie Yes, do you like it?”  She nods approvingly, you decide to go get a Coke, and you head out.  She is beaming at you, others notice her in the front seat, and you drive, really cruise, as you want everyone to see you with her.  Or is it her with you?  Well, almost everyone, stopping at a light, your wise guy, read immature friends pull up in their multi colored VW bug, radio blaring, and notice you.  And the girl.  But notice the car first, “Hey man, your dad must be outta town to let you be driving his new car....” the light changes, and suddenly so does her attitude, and she asks to be dropped off.  The thrill of a successful pick up gone, along with the first thrill of ownership.  It will be awhile until you don’t want to kill your friends, even longer until you feel confident enough to go cruise for girls at the shopping center, obviously the word is out about you by now, and back to driving your mom’s grocery getter.  It is tough to pick up girls in the station wagon, and no one would ever admit it was their car, at least not at 17!

But the day comes, when you buy your first car.  Bought and paid for by you, even has your name on the title.  And on the insurance.  But to own it, and keep it running and insured, you work a lot of hours nights and after school.  Little time to cruise, and free time means washing and polishing, even if the paint is thin, the tires without white walls, and the radio sitting next to you, a portable, the dash one lights up, just no sound.  But it is yours, and soon you are doing little things.  Seat covers, a used radio now works, you fix the oil leak, so you no longer smell like burning oil, and one night , you actually encounter a girl who wants to ride in your car, just for you. And inside you wonder if something is the matter with her.   It shows pride of ownership, and although a little rough, so is your sophistication.  And no embarrassing friends to make fun of you at a light, in fact paybacks have been sweet, and often.  It may not be the car your father drives, but it is yours, and your pride of ownership shows.  You drive it different, notice where you park, and it becomes an extension of who you are.  You date girls who are faster than it is, but it is classier.  A few speed shop decals, one from Honest Charlie’s show you are cool, even if the header sound is because the muffler has a hole in it.  Soon an 8-track player follows, a steady girl, and most of your money goes to her instead.  But you never forget your first car, your really true first love.  There will be more, but it will be the one all others will be judged against.  The thrill of ownership, and it is all yours.

But along with being all yours goes repairs, insurance, which you are told will go down at age 26, if only you make it, so much maintenance is done by you and a friend who knows about cars.  You have control of what goes into the car, or rather your part time pay check does.  Both the good and the bad are yours, and an occasional loan from your dad helps you along.  “I’ll pay you back next payday dad,”  read maybe at 26, when I have the money due to reduced insurance rates.  You are growing up, the car growing old, and you are learning about life while living it.  Much different than in social studies, where you read about the perfect family.  Did Ward Cleaver ever go through such turmoil?  Did Father really know best?  Was Howard Cunningham ahead of the curve with his De Soto?  How did Archie Bunker ever meet Edith without a car?  And TV looked so real at one time....

And you find out life is more than a 30 minute sit com.  That it is real, with bills to pay, girl friends to budget for, and cars to maintain, all while trying to impress your friends.  “If only I was rich...” but dream on.  The rich kids don’t have the same problems, or do they?  When we come to Christ, many are told everything will be alright.  Jesus will take care of everything, then after church one night, you go out and you have a flat.  “Thanks a lot God,” you think.  “I thought you would take care of everything.”  Were your friends and Bible study teachers wrong?  I don’t remember signing up for trouble?  But this is exactly what you signed up for, for a God who loves you, and will be there when you encounter problems.  Even self inflicted ones.  Jesus told us “in this world you will have tribulation,” aka troubles.  And every problem you have should boost your faith, as it is written you will.  Being saved doesn’t give you a free pass on problems, but someone to turn to when you encounter one.  To show you the way.  Like a phone call to your father when you run out of gas, he will answer.  But it takes obedience to follow his solutions.  And as you get closer to God, you stay out of messy situations you once would drive head long into.  You rely on the spirit guiding you, your conscience reminding about who you date.  Where you park, and what you spend your paycheck on.  Even down to what you ride or drive, God is involved, but only when you let him, for his good advice only works if taken.  Remember that when you call out to him “Lord help me!”  As you patiently wait for his answer.  Patiently, remember. 

For as you get closer to God you see sin differently, and when you do, you change your lifestyle.  Maybe even your car, as you spend your money wise, and God knows your desire for a cool car, and some how fulfills it.  In a way you would never expect.  You see when you come to Christ, you enjoy the thrill of ownership in God.  You belong to him, and you become a child of God.  And because you are his, you gain access to all things of God, including wisdom.  Which you find more valuable than gold.  And the closer you follow, the deeper the relationship, and when the tire is flat, you give it over to Jesus.  Who reminded you to check your spare that afternoon....were you listening?  God takes care of his own, remember to thank him the next time that jerk, I mean person stops suddenly in front of you.  And you miss him by inches.  Thanks Lord, for he knew and stopped you.  That girl you have been eying, and thinks you are a jerk.  She has two kids, and is looking for a father.  The job you had to have, you lose out on, only to find the company moves out of state 6 months later.  From jobs, to cars, to girls, you find God knows best.  And who knows, that one that has been eying you, just may have a father who owns a huge business, loves his daughter and will see her husband is well taken care of, and given a company car.  All expenses paid.  But you have to know where to look, and looking to Jesus first, letting his spirit guide you is the best first step. 

Just like it was a thrill to see your name on the title of your first car, your name written in the book of life by God’s own hand is better.  The best actually.  And he has the resources to take care of you, unlike your first car.  You may be rough around the edges now, but growing in Christ will take care of that.  And when Jesus tells his father that you are his, the love is sealed forever.  No more cruising for God, he is right there with you, and will never leave you.  If only cars and girls was so easy.  Skirts and wheels always have and always will be an invitation to trouble.

Like the TV show, Father in heaven Knows Best.  And you don’t have to leave it to anyone else.  Happy Days are here in Christ, aaayyy!  And maybe Archie should remember something the next time he calls her a dingbat.  She chose him!  And God chose us.  Will you choose him?  The thrill of ownership never will mean so much as being a child of God.  Now about those tribulations Lord....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

passing grades

Riding home west through Tennessee we came upon an interesting situation, a sign on I-40 warned of the right lane closing in 30 miles.  But all the traffic was merging into the left lane now, causing a traffic jam.  Not wishing to be part of the jam, we proceeded to ride in the right lane for 30 miles, until it closed and we were forced to merge into the left one.  But along the way cars were honking, some showing love with a finger, and others shaking their heads in our irreverent action.  Maybe we were not observing a certain road courtesy, or maybe Tennessee drivers just obey signs better, but I thought it was weird.  Until we encountered it again, same state, same I-40, and same westerly direction.  and we got the same response when we failed to merge left for 30 miles.  Maybe a question on their driver’s test, “when you see a sign telling lane ends in 30 miles you A-proceed, B-slow down, C-roll down window and cuss at non-conforming riders, or D-pull over immediately causing traffic jam.”  And the correct answer is D.  And not only was it bad enough that cars and trucks of all sizes were merging left some 30 miles too soon, there were some motorcycles included.  Includes motorcycles also?  Anyway my passing grade that day was to pass, and a hearty thank you to Tennessee drivers for giving me a lane all to myself.

The Blue Ridge Highway is a must ride road.  Gorgeous sights, great curves, limited access, and all held hostage by a 45 mph speed limit.  Which so many SUV tourists interpret as 25 mph, with no regards for anyone else.  Passing is prohibited, but many of us do, it is hard to pass up such a great series of curves, for over 400 miles.  Early one Sunday morning on the Sprint ST we stopped at an overlook, to take a picture.  There we met another man with a blue Sprint, just like our red one.  He was excited to see another, and he had North Carolina plates on it.  He was a local, “his back yard” as he explained, and we could follow him for over 100 miles.  He was out for a Sunday morning ride before the Winnebagos and SUV’s took over, and so we followed him, using his lines.  Passing numerous cars, and also a few motorcycles along the way.  Not riding unsafely, or without courtesy, he got off, we both waved, and kept going at a similar pace.  Only to be shocked when coming upon a group of riders from a certain club.  Who wouldn’t give way to our passing, truly establishing ownership of what was their road.  Now cars full of parents under the influence of kids would move over, kids waving, and fathers wishing they were us, but our own kind, other motorcyclists out for their crowd ride took umbrage with us.  So much for the brotherhood of bikers, and riding your own ride.

If you have never ridden the Ortega Highway you should at least once.  The first road in California the CHP put radar on, with the new construction a few years back, it is great.  But also a commuter road for those living inland and working on the coast.  So traffic can be heavy at certain times, fortunately I can ride during the week.  But on one Saturday morning when construction was going on, we had to wait with a group of Gold Wing riders.  Nice folks, we visited, talked different bikes, and joked about their plush animals.   We were about fifth in line, the road opened and we took off.  Now some parts are marked are marked 55, some 25, and we proceeded to follow.  The Gold Wings ahead of us sped up to 55, no matter the speed limit and stayed there.  They were pretty agile in the corners, as skilled riders will be, but never went over 55.  Finally fed up with third gear, and second, we passed, they waved,and we met them later at a gas station on the coast.  Jokingly I inquired about their 55 mph cruise speed, saying “can’t you hear your radio above it?”  To which one answered quite honestly, “No.”  Which made me wonder, would a more powerful stereo allow higher speeds?  How would that work on Tennessee freeways when they merge, and how would that effect my riding on the BRP?  All three roads had situations where passing was required, but each one had a built in punishment from fellow bike riders.  I was quick to give myself a passing grade of A+, but to the locals, or tourists, or stereo bound Wing nuts, I got an F.  I still tell others, and advise riding your own ride.  But doesn’t that work both ways, can I ride mine too?

Call it religion of the road, and maybe learned in some churches.  You must obey the local rules, the denominational legalism, or you will not be welcomed.  And in many cases, if you don’t follow their by laws, you aren’t saved.  At least in their eyes.  And over the years I have visited many churches and felt welcomed.  While a stranger in others, and looking for an escape.  One such Sunday we were invited by a new member in the club to attend his church.  He was a little too weird for me, but we went along.  Before the service we mingled, they were nice enough, then the service started.  The pastor referred to the instruments on the stage, and that no one would play them, so as to not draw attention to themselves.  And then they cranked up the music to distortion, ear splitting volume,and began to hop.  Bringing attention to themselves.  Then a few ladies laid down tablecloths up front after the music, and members in the audience were called out and up front.  About 12 lined up, facing the crowd, and the pastor went to each one, and pushed them backwards, landing on the cloths.  One young kid stood out, and I went up to him.  I told him not to be scared, this was not scriptural, and he wanted to talk to me.  And then I felt some big hands on my shoulders, one huge white man telling me “go back, leave the stage now.”  Telling them I just felt compassion for this kid, and even bigger black guy told me “you don’t get it, you aren’t welcomed here.”  And so I left the stage, others with me, and we sat outside waiting for the others in our group with us to come out.  For an hour and a half, many questioning the lack of Jesus present, and almost a cult like atmosphere.  I would later be chided for my leaving, but this was not of God, but of a different spirit.  But one thing was mentioned to me, the kid I went up to see, when pushed did not fall.  He resisted, he knew what was happening was wrong.  And stood his ground.  To the congregation of not wanting to bring attention to themselves, he resisted, bringing attention to himself.  Much talk was devoted to the events afterward, some felt I was rude,  just follow the rules, one idiot told me I was unteachable, and a heretic.  And maybe not saved.  Just because I showed compassion.  And was right in discerning evil in the service.

Like the road captains who rode at one speed, condemning anyone else, I had been condemned, by fellow Christians.  Judgmental I was told.  Which brought up some questions.  Why is it only people caught in sin object and accuse others of being judgmental?  Aren’t we to be as wise as scorpions but gentle as lambs?  Aren’t we to have a discerning spirit?  Jesus never went along with the crowd, they went along with him.  He was holy, it is us that need to change, not him.  And not religion changing us.  It is the spirit that gives insight, guidance,and God provides the growth.  And as far as being critical, another deception pointed out when you discern, I replied “I am not judging you, I am describing you.”  I rather receive a passing grade from God than from man.  And in that sense I am a rebel among rebels, for to be a born again Christian you must rebel against sin, and turn to Jesus.  Yes we will all have a personal testimony, and be individuals in Christ, the key here is in Christ.  Loving and living outside the four walls of the church and religious rules.  Legalism will control you,and keep you from the spirit, I prefer to ride and live in the spirit.  I want all I can get from my God, the love and forgiveness I need daily, not a set of rules to live by.  I wish to be under the spirit’s control, my choice to make, rather than some man’s idea of decorum.  And it is ironic that the fruit of spirit has no laws against it.  So why do you have rules against me?  And my freedom?  So how you live your life is a witness of God in it, or God not in it.  Either way it shows where you are with Jesus. 

I choose to live free in Christ, to ride my own ride with him.  Let him lead, I’ll follow.  But some lesser believers who don’t have the freedom I do will cause trouble, my freedom they cannot control.  Don’t be bound by laws and legalism, trust Jesus and find true freedom in the spirit.  Funny how these same clubs that talk of the freedom of the road make so many rules of how to ride it.  Don’t let it happen to your ride, or your God.  Ride your own ride, and when you ride with Jesus you can hear the music above 55, a lane opens up for you to follow, and you meet others along the way while touring, who will guide you. Passing grades provided by a loving God, if it works on the road, imagine what it can do in church?  Maybe that’s why I rather be riding my motorcycle thinking about God than sitting in church thinking about riding.  Mt wave is friendly and uses all five fingers.  I hope you can wave back in love the same way.  If not, see you in church....did I tell you the one about the lady in the SUV who cut me off....and her one finger wave.  And sat in front of me in church?  Maybe she was just describing me, and I was #1 to her.  You think so?  Funny how God puts some people in your way.  Aren’t you glad Jesus is the way?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

finding true victory in defeat

The town I grew up in had a reputation for great basketball teams.  Just before I hit high school, they had been ranked #5 in the state, and it looked good for those of us coming up through the system.  The system consisted of our two junior high schools, who competed against each other also.  We only lost two games one year, and many of us set  school records, mine for rebounding.  We even beat one team 122-15 in a tournament, hit 100 points in another, my foul shot, the first one was nothing but air, and the future looked bright for SPFHS.  We were winners, we were used to winning, and had an attitude about it.  So when the two schools met together in high school, our sophomore year, hopes ran high, and we couldn’t wait for the season to start.  Between the two junior highs, we could field two teams almost, and combined we felt we couldn’t lose.  And win we did, the first half of the season we went undefeated, the JV that is.  Some of us could be playing varsity, me not included, but at the time varsity was only for juniors and seniors.  We had bigger crowds sometimes for our JV games, we were good, and the coach had an ego for winning.  He would strut out before the game and perform theatricals during it, he loved to win and show off his team.  His team, which he was quick to call us.  We were winning, having fun, and even though injured, with knee surgery, I was right there in the midst of it.  We were riding high, and then one night the wheels came off the train.  And we crashed...

We got beat bad by a lesser team.  Although it was only mid season, and many games left to play, the season was ruined. We no longer were perfect, but had a 1 where the zero used to be in the lost column.  The coach had actually thought we were invincible, and it was a blemish on his record.  But the players on the team’s attitude was what surprised me.  Many cried while sitting on the bench, grown up sophomores in high school bawling, and in the locker room it was even worse.  Some wanted to give up and quit, they had lost a game, and couldn’t face themselves.  Or parents or their classmates.  Their record was no longer perfect, and rumors swirled the team needed to be rebuilt, and the coach was looking for new players.  All because of one loss.  Now remember I said we came from two schools, two junior highs.  And that night it showed, as the school I came from we took the loss in stride.  We didn’t like to lose, but had lost before, and knew it would happen again.  Some nights are like that, but you are around to play again.  But the other school, where the coach had previously coached, had never lost, and they pride and ego was on display that night.  Rather their true character, as in losing we show our true hearts.  Every one loves a winner, but now the team had lost, and was left in tears.  Some of them, and even though the perfect season was over, we would win the conference championship.  We weren’t perfect, but we won it anyway.  Just as almost all others had in the past.  But the night of loss is what I remember, and I can still see my tough teammates and friends with tears coming down their cheeks, some uncontrollably, and I wonder what lesson their coach had rally taught them about life, and winning.  Not to mention losing. 

Unless you are not  living on the planet, you are going to have tough times.  You will not win every game, every battle, every argument.  Being the best team doesn’t guarantee victory, you still have to play the game, which is why we play them.  It is called life, and we all participate.  Whether part of a team or individually, we will never have a perfect record when our lives are looked back on.  Sure we will be found sinless and perfect before God when we are saved, but we still need to endure life on earth before we get there.  And those of us close to God, who walk in the spirit can attest to one thing, the tougher the times, the closer we get to Jesus.  If I hadn’t had open heart surgery I never would have known him as the great physician.  If I had not followed the guiding of the spirit I never would have known him as the mighty counselor.  If I never knew pain and suffering, I never would know him as the comforter.  And if I had never lost, I never would have known how good it feels to win, and develop my character.  For it is in the tough times when our true character is built and revealed, we all love to win, but how do we handle losing?  Would you rather be humbled or humiliated?  And in 1 Timothy, Paul points out that how we treat others, is how we feel about ourselves.  If we look down on others, made by the same God we were, we show insecurity.  If we must be perfect, we deny what God has said about us, that we were all once sinners, only Jesus is perfect.  If we must be first, we will be last, and we must die to self to be born again.  No egos in heaven, only the love of God, and we only get there when we repent, and realize we are sinners.  Less than perfect.  Like that season, it is in defeat or battle we see sides of God that in victory we don’t.  We find out how competitive we really are, and how Satan competes for our very souls, and only in Jesus can you, or will you win.  You must die to self, and become part of the family of God.  You must become part of a team of losers, to win the final victory.  And Jesus won the victory, and wants you to be part of the team.  And gives us some simple advice, that I have used in church and in business.  Treat all men as brothers, not as competitors.  All women as sisters, show respect not lust.  Treat the older ones as your grandparents, the younger ones as your kids, and show them all respect.  Which in my case takes a miracle.  But in Christ we can, and do, and will. 

If you have never lost, believe me it is coming, and will grow you in ways you cannot imagine.  If you have lost for so long you forget what victory feels like, remember in Jesus we have the final victory, even in a losing season we win the championship, we see Jesus in heaven.  No fantasies as in Fantasy Football, we don’t get to choose the team, Jesus chose us and when we are called, should answer “yes Lord, be kind to me a sinner,” so we can later hear “enter in my good and faithful servant.”  Servants, not the served.  Losers who are saved, not winners who aren’t.  Some put up great stats in life or league play, but the question is “did you win?”  We all fight or play to win, are you in it for the stats, or the final victory?  When David saw the Philistine giant with 12 fingers and toes, and 9 feet tall, he saw what no others saw.  While they saw defeat, he saw victory in a Lord who had been with him “against the bear, and against the lion.”  He had won both times, why should he worry now?  Are you worrying about your record, or winning the goal of heaven?  Do you see Jesus or your ego being bruised?  Do you see the cross as a place of loss, or of victory?  Do you know or does your life reflect that that was where our salvation was won for us?  That we couldn’t do for ourselves, no matter how great a record?  Do you concentrate on the one in the lost column, or the one in the victory column?  Are you in it for yourself, or in it for Jesus?

Maybe that loss that night could have been the best thing that  had happened.  The team, from the coach down had to go back to work.  We get lazy in victory, only in battle are our senses heightened.  Our spiritual senses, and where and who Jesus is in our lives.  I don’t always know when I am walking in the spirit, but I know when I am not, and need to return after losing.  Without Jesus you lose, with him you win.  Not every battle, so we constantly need to seek the spirit, and follow him, but the victory will be in heaven.  The real victory, where we will be surprised to see who else is there, and many will be amazed to see me.  But we go to heaven to see Jesus. The others will be reminders of his undying love for us.  No matter our record on earth, we are undefeated in heaven.  A record I am glad to know I have, despite all my losses here on earth.  So when he tells us to count all else as loss, stop and meditate on that.  Show him to reveal his fullness to you, and when he takes you to the cross, you will see true victory snatched out of the jaws of defeat.  Only Jesus can win the battle for your soul, are you more interested in your record or where you end up?  It won’t matter in heaven, as only Jesus has the bragging rights, and we cannot win salvation ourselves.  A gift....so quit trying to do it yourself, and turn to him.  Walk in the spirit, knowing you ultimately win, and face defeat looking to Jesus.  It takes all things to work for good for us, both winning and losing.  But they finally do in the end.  The scars of battle for your souls is found in his nail pierced hands and feet.  A body less than perfect so we can have one that is.  There are victories, and there are victors.  Only in Jesus you will have both.  Bet you never thought that the real victory would be found in losing? 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

living the life or is it the lifestyle?

I read the news today, oh boy.  Harley Davidson stock is at a two year low.  And sales of its new bikes are down significantly, both in the US of A and around the world.  No reason to panic, they are still making money hand over fist, there are few starving Harley dealers out there, the profit per bike is an industry high, and the marketing is still the tops, maybe anywhere in any product line.  So why the long faces at the Motor Company?  Well its leader and president is retiring, he was the marketing guru.  And while they still teach the company’s marketing in college classes, its customer base is dwindling.  I rode the new Indian Scout, and if Sonny Barger rides an Indian, he has a strong dislike for Harleys, per his book, and conversations I have had with him, Harley may need to worry.  Or maybe not over react, and just build some quality into its product.  They have gotten much better, but for value, so many other bikes from other manufacturers offer more.  And are almost as cool, perform better, and cost a lot less.  Are you listening Harley?  Where are the Sportsters that are sporty?  Where are the old values, where a 5 year old used Harley sold for the same as a new one?  Why do they weigh so much, and why are they so expensive to repair and maintain? 

I must admit if I was looking for a v-twin cruiser, HD sets the pace, but Indian is gaining, it may be a tough choice.  Feed the Motor Company and the lifestyle, or keep the cash and take a trip.  Which is cooler?  The view from either bike from behind the handlebars will be the same.  Same with parallel twins, it’s either Triumph or a copy, and the new Bonnevilles looks great.  I can see a Thruxton R in my garage soon from the press fleet.  No one else can copy that cool either.  When it comes down to all around sport bike racing bikes for the street, the Japanese still rule, except if you ride a BMW S1000R, which would be my choice.  So each bike manufacturer has its niche, its style of bike, but they must all have two things in common, value-what you get for your money, and affordability, will your wife let you spend the $15k on a used car or a new bike?  Motorcycles will win on cool, never on practicality.  Except if you argue with me, or some of my friends who ride. So maybe we need to ask, are we living the life, or is it the lifestyle we are more interested in?  With many Harley dealers taking on Indian or Polaris, maybe they know something.  And locally a new Indian dealer just moved in next to the Harley store.  Different owners, and you must pass the Indian store to get to Harley.  How important is location?  Cool?  Value?  Is is life or lifestyle?  Maybe the architect of General Motors, back when they ruled the world said it best, “you can sell a young man’s car to an older man, but a young man will not buy an old man’s car.”  And being older, I still want performance, handling, and value in my ride.  And at prices I can afford, and on one I can feel safe riding past the city limits. 

How do you describe Christianity if someone asks?  Religion?  Lifestyle?  Philosophy?  Is it a way of life, or a pathway to God?  Or is it none of the above, and needs to be recreated, to be resurrected, as church attendance in many denominations is down, and so is overall church attendance.  Has the value of church gone down?  How will it effect you?  Maybe basics should be the starting point, as Christians were once made fun of, the term meaning little Christ, and was derogatory.  Sounds like today.  Anyone who goes to church outside of Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons will claim to be Christians.  So does going to church make you a Christian?  NO!  Nor does it make you a pew.  Religious way of life?  Religion means bound, more rules and regulations to break, and be reminded of?  Is it a philosophy?  No, Jesus Christ is not debatable, his words and actions are true, he was who he said he was.  And is.  Yet many try to develop a lifestyle and philosophy around his teachings, and you end up at religion.  So while the world is trying to decide, Jesus stays the same, and will always.  We change.  The marketing changes, getting my weekly bulletin from church, they emphasize so many ministries, opportunities to help, and to get involved.  Could be a Harley ad for rides or poker runs.  These are not bad things in themselves, the government has tried and failed, industry has tried and as long as money flows will be successful to a point.  So what is Christianity, and why is it important?  Is it really clever marketing to get your money?  To control you?  To get you off your golf game on Sunday or keep you from a ride with your friends? What is a Christian?

Simply put, a Christian is one who believes Jesus Christ is the son of God.  He is deity, he is real, and came to die so we can get to heaven and be reunited with God the father.  And Christianity is the relationship we have with him.  Religion can come close, but without asking one key question, you may miss it.  Where is Jesus in it?  If he isn’t the main thing, you miss, you are not a Christian.  And he states if you are not for me, you are against me.  But is merciful, that he wants to save you, and still loves you as you are.  He gives you the choice, life or death?  Lifestyle or him?  Love or a substitute.  And while church attendance may be wavering, Jesus is alive and well, the spirit calling your name.  Jesus is love, and must be experienced rather than debated.  He doesn’t keep up with trends, his trend of love never changes.  While some try new approaches to God, his is still the only way, and simple and free.  I get it and can afford it.  But is he an old man’s God you are trying to sell to a younger generation?  Does marketing work with Jesus?

Churches seem to think so, and have over burdened us with programs, process, and ways to entertain.  But when we fall back on scripture, written by men but inspired by God, we see that unless God builds the church, we labor in vain.  Working harder, praying harder, attending more church and Bible studies and feeling no better?  Give it over to God, who offers rest.  Let the spirit guide you, not a spirit guide. Trust Jesus, and watch as his ways, different from ours, become our ways.  He will accept us as we are, and won’t leave us that way.  Without Jesus you cannot be a Christian, and there is no Christianity.  And the world is filled with the spirit of anti-Christ, instead of Christ ideas that will always lead to destruction.  I want all I need and can get from God, and it is only found in Jesus.

Check him out yourself.  Don’t take my word for it.  It is individual, personal, and like nothing else on earth.  Or in heaven.  And it starts with you answering the spirit’s call.  You make the choice.  Trends may come and go.  New models dazzle the eye, and pocketbook.  Last years best seller is today’s $1 bargain.  The Bible is still the best seller, despite being banned in countries around the world.  Jesus offers life, can you beat that?  And offers it for free?  Tune ups and maintenance included?  And will accept your trade, no matter how bad a shape you are in. 

And in my case, and in many others, I can be riding my motorcycle thinking about God.  I don’t have to attend special meetings to know him, but can if I want to.  No marketing from any church or religion, no philosophy can provide what Jesus does.  He is the only one.  So why settle for a lesser God, when you can have the only true God?  So are you living a life in Christ, or just a Christian lifestyle?  Do you know him personally?  Do you call him Lord?  Is he more than a Sunday diversion, or are you really saved?  Harley’s marketing is good, but cannot cover up for a lack of value or performance.  And others will step in that will.  Only Jesus can provide all you need.  Others try, and are clever, but will always fail.  Jesus never does.  Today he offers you life.  And your answer is....

love with compassion,

Mike

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