is money the answer?

“Money, it’s a hit, don’t give me no @#$%^&*” sing Pink Floyd.  And in that statement in song we find truth.  As the Powerball craziness exceeds 1 billion, with a b, more and more people who cannot afford it sink their hard earned money, or allowance check into hoping to win.  Only to join the multitudes of losers who still dream and hope.  To win and become rich.  Money will change their lives, but the record tells it that even though it will, it usually has disastrous effects.  No wonder Jesus warned “the poor will always be among you,” poor in pocket, poor in spirit, and poor in hope.  Poor in Powerball.  Yet willing to gamble all they have for winning moment.  Not willing to change their ways, but hoping a great influx of cash does.

Years ago God advised me to look at situations where material things were needed, but to take money out of the equation and see the impact it had on the problem.  And almost immediately, I had to go to God, and for his advice, which never involves money.  Which we tend to put before him anyway.  He wanted me to turn to him, and his ways have always been the best.  But you have to trust him, listen to his advice, then take it.  Good advice only works when applied.  And no check can cover the value of walking with Jesus in the spirit.  It has been said and wisely, that “man plans, and God laughs,” but I also believe he might shed a few tears for us when we don’t obey.  He wants to bless us, yet we want the cash.  I once told friends that”"if my house was on fire, don’t hand me a checkbook, hand me a fire extinguisher.”  And when it did, the extinguisher put it out, the insurance money that followed led me to court.  God knows, and we saw him in the process, and we won, but in ways we wouldn’t have expected.  God’s ways are not our ways, and Jesus is the way.  So get out of the way, into his way, and trust...and receive blessings.  The biggest and best one how he saw you through it.  And he does, and will...offering peace and joy.  Rest in the midst of the storm.

Good lawyers know the answer before they ask the question, and Perry Mason was the best.  He saw things in a different way, and was able to sort through the symptoms and find the facts.  We don’t have Perry when we need him, but we do have Jesus.  And on one afternoon, far from town, he was faced with a crowd that was hungry with no way to feed them.  So he asked Philip, “what should we do?”  He knew Philip had no money, nor food enough for the crowd.  They were still 2000 years from the local Big Mac, and the question must have mystified old Phil.  “Why is he asking me?”  But Jesus used it to prove he was God, he could meet the need, a physical one, in supernatural ways.  And we all know the story, 5000 fed with a few loaves of bread, and a few fish.  It is never recorded a diner popped up on the location, but what a location that might have been?  Mickey D brags about billions served, do we brag on Jesus and his 5000 served?  How about the one we serve?  No drive through, no coupons, no EBT, and no one went hungry.  Remember it took the disciples to pick up the uneaten, that filled one basket for each.  Talk about a take out order, do we need Jesus now or will that be to go?

Jesus knew the answer, he wanted Philip to see how the situation was overwhelming, and without God’s intervention was hopeless.  Now, what are you facing that seems hopeless?  What is going on in your life that needs Jesus to answer?  Health, family, financial, relational, physical, mental, or even spiritual?  Jesus is the answer, talk about a hit, and he won’t give you no  !@##$%^!  His answer was simple, “feed the multitude,” then he told him how.  Then Phil listened and obeyed.  Note his answer to Peter when he asked Jesus after his death what he wanted of him?  “Feed my sheep.”  And the stories are here for us to learn from 2000 years later. 

So while churches, ministries, and other groups answer with programs, procedures, policies, special offerings, and fund raising, Philip got ‘er done.  So beware the three p’s, and the s and f.  Go to Jesus first.  Who is the answer.  How do I know.  Remember my house fire, we ended up being sued by a lecherous contractor.  And ended up losing the case, but winning.  The house got repaired by him for free, we kept the insurance check, and even a high priced attorney gave us free advice!  We didn’t have to spend a dime.  Now, is money still the answer?

And to back it up, one miracle I don’t often tell about.  Pride and jealousy through Christian brothers limit my audience for it.  But I have bragging rights on God in it.  When I was sick, and had open heart surgery, my bill was well over half a million. But was advised by the hospital that “not to worry, they we’re not going to discharge me because I was indigent.  We are a not for profit hospital, and the bill will be taken care of.”   A bill I never could have covered, and with no insurance and in a coma, God was there.  Would good insurance made me any better than being insured by the one who saved my soul?  So as I continue to walk in faith, I see his hand in my life.  And on my heart.  Physically and spiritually.

So don’t be like Philip.  We have the answer, so did he and Jesus was right in front of him.  Take heart in the promise of the blessings of those who have never seen him, but trust him, who live in faith.  Who trust beyond bank accounts and FICO scores.  Who have the means, but don’t know the man.  And knowing Jesus will always be the answer.  Today I have a scar and the records to prove my miracle, that Jesus was there.  It is in the toughest times we get the biggest blessings, and can share the best testimonies.  To encourage others, and give God the glory.  Don’t wait for a fire or a life flight and open heart surgery to wake you up.  Is Jesus asking you right now a question that only he can answer? 

Listen, the most important part of prayer...you will be surprised.  An answer from the richest man in history, who never owned property, was born in a barn, and was buried in a borrowed tomb.  Jesus asked because he already knew what he was going to do.  Money can buy a fine meal, you will only get hungry again.  Man asks “do you want to supersize that?”  What we really need is supernatural. 

we need Jesus.  Now I ask, is money really the answer? 

love with compassion,

Mike matthew25biker.blogspot.com

kick stands up-Mikey down

In the beginning, from your very first two wheel experience, you have become familiar with them.  No matter what size, what brand, or even how it is powered, all two wheeled conveyances, except for certain race bikes have one.  Different lengths, colors, even chromed, the only serve one function, and do it very well if used properly.  We know them as kickstands or side stands, on bikes which have a center stand, an old time standard, which disappeared for a while, but is making a comeback.  Designed to support your bike at rest, many a kickstand has been warn down or off by fast riding.  On a Harley they can be used to determine maximum lean angle while parked, can serve as a warning you are leaning too far on others, and can suspend anything from a half ton Gold Wing to your 50 pound Schwinn.  They are marvelous in simplicity, yet in their functioning when coming in contact with humans can be disastrous.

BMW, and also Guzzi a long time ago into the 1970’s, used a retractable spring loaded side stand.  As soon as you leaned off it, it retracted, and more than one riding expert fell prey to it, pun intended.  Some excuse about a European law where they must retract, my friend Leonard can testify how dangerous they are if you ride off with it down, his Honda 360 catching and throwing him off his bike when he forgot to retract it.  So maybe BMW had something here, all I know is they were a pain in the, well you get it.  I one time had one fail on a press bike, a new Daytona, when it failed to lock in place, and I fell over on it, at zero mph.  Sustaining minimal damage to the bike, maximum to the ego of the rider.  “How can you ride so fast, yet park so lousy?”  Not enough speed, I guess.  And we all know of, have been, or heard of the guy who parked it uphill, and the bike fell over when it rolled forward.  The law of gravity aided by stupidity will win out every time.  But my most memorable sidestand incident was an accident, and truly not my fault.

I was sitting on a new Yamaha Vision at Handlebar Cycle.  Lined up with other Yams and Hondas, it was new, so I sat on it, to see how it felt.  Getting of, I made sure the side stand was down, a lesson taught to me when first riding, and also as a 5 time BMW owner, and proceeded to get off.  When the sidestand buckled, and broke off, and down I went, wedged between two bikes, and then the whole line of twelve proceeded to fall against each other, all in a straight line.  Just like a chorus line, call it kickstands up-Mikey’s down, and he was.  And was about to endure verbal abuse until the cause was seen, and apologies offered.  Perhaps the classic “someday you’ll look back on this and laugh” day of my life.  And a hello and a warning greeted me each time I entered the shop.  “What are you gonna fall off today?”  Such a simple theory and design, so handy but yet so dangerous all at once.

Just like the tongue, James tells us.  That it can both bless God, but curse man made in his image.  A not oft quoted scripture for faith building, but should be, as we all have done it, proving scripture to be correct.  Remember that the next time you doubt.  And it can be misused many ways, as we are also told the spirit gives us words when we need them.  Yet I have seen unsaved men run off by zealous evangelicals who rather argue.  Who only quote, or rather misquote God for their own ego.  Attending a friend’s funeral with other bikers, this pastor took the attitude he had us and he was going to tell us about Jesus.  For a full hour...and only reminded us why we don’t like going to church.  And sadly, his audience was all Christians, who evangelize better while riding than he did hiding behind a pulpit.  Why can Billy Graham speak 5 minutes and many get saved, yet pastors think they have to fill a time slot, bringing reality to the joke, “who keeps talking after people quit listening?”  “Pastors.”  Amen.

But one event I can verify that the spirit gives words to is at a Hollister Rally one year. The Boozefighters had just written  a book of their history and I wanted one.  Stopping at their booth, I met JQ, co-author and National Historian for the club.  He saw my Christian colors and immediately put me in a headlock.  “I’m glad I found you,” he said, “you’re a Christian and I have a question.  Can God make a rock so big he cannot pick it up?”  With all my spiritual theological juices flowing, I was in immediate evangelizing mode, but the words that came out were from the spirit, not my ego.  “You don’t ask God stupid questions like that.”  And he backed off, telling me it was a great answer, he was going to tell others.  And we became friends.  My 15 minute self induced answer had been short cutted by the spirit, and gave him the answer he needed.  A good thing to remember, in a headlock or not.  A lesson to remember, you can control your mouth, but you cannot control your hearing.  And scripture tells us to he who has an ear let him hear, not he who has a mouth let him speak.  Unless it is to amen that remark.

So the tongue like the kickstand has been designed for a purpose.  But when misused can get us in trouble.  Something to remember next time someone announces kickstands up, remember Mikey down.  Or Leonard crashing.  Or the fool parking against the grade of hill.  Just how far you lean may depend on that simple invention, while others exceed it, you never should when stopped, and parked.  We laugh when we look back at the 12 bikes falling on me, now at least.  I wonder how I would have been received by JQ if I had gotten theological?  Jesus knew, and still knows what we need.  He is the answer to every question.  And one last note for a refresher course.

In 25 words or less describe the gospel?  John 3:16, simple and accurate.  Something to note next time you get too wordy, or attend a funeral.  Or you just may find me riding off early, kick stand up of course.  By the way, they also make good cornering reminders....at least until they are worn off.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

thinking inside the box

One thing missing from when I talk with younger people, aka kids, is there lack of imagination.  They need to be entertained, and can spend endless hours on a computer, squinting at an i-phone, or watching videos.  And we all can be guilty of it, but the creativity of their imaginations has been stifled, as someone else does their thinking for them, they just watch, or change channels if they don’t like what is on.  As a kid growing up, it was a big deal in our subdivision when a friend’s parents got new appliances.  We didn’t really care about the new stove or refrigerator, we cared about the box they came in.  Some neighbors were only interested in leaving it in the yard to impress their other neighbors, but the cool ones knew how much we loved those boxes.  Within seconds of the new appliance arriving, and before it was even out of the box, we had visions of space ships, race cars, forts, submarines, and anything else our imaginations could come up with.  And over time we learned that each type of box held its own potential.  A tall refrigerator box might be a fort, and you could barely see over the top at who was shooting at you.  On its side it could be a cave, and who knew what lied in its dark recesses.  One creative kid, laid it on its side, and cut holes in it, pretending to ride it like a train car, just  like his dad did going to work.  But one of my favorites was the long, not very deep box that TV entertainment centers came in, you know the modern at the time TV with stereo and radio enclosed in a piece of furniture, that seemed like it was 10’ long.  To me it was a race car, and many races were won from the side benefit of a neighbor getting a new TV for us race in.  Leaning in the corners, making sounds like a big Hemi, or  small block Chevy, these boxes were a primer for life in the real world, but looking back maybe they were the real world, and all else was fantasy.

Some days we would paint them, or write funny things on them.  Some would be cut down to size, and many smaller boxes used.  Being stiff cardboard, they made great castle when throwing rocks against them, and later cutting off pieces for shields like Roman soldiers.  Your imagination was your only boundary, and as long as the box could hold together, you got to think within the box.  Today it is popular to think outside of the box, to not be constrained by anything or anyone, but was inside the box that the greatest thinking went on, preparing us to think outside of it when we got older.  Maybe our parents were cooler than we gave them credit for, or maybe smarter for the same reason, but whatever the reason, the outcome was using our imaginations to have a good time.  To explore, to think, just the opposite of old Quick Draw McGraw, who used to tell us “I’ll do the thinkin’ around here, and don’t you forget it.”  But it was in our thinking inside the box that prepared us for greatness later.  To be tested, through playing and investigating, an education not available at even the finest colleges.  We had to think for ourselves, and entertain ourselves, and despite Quick Draw’s warning, we did the thinkin’ back then, and don’t you forget it.

Being a Christian can present a new set of problems.  Just the opposite of us thinking inside the box, so many times we get into trouble when we think outside of the box.  The box that is formed within many churches.  Now no church or fellowship was ever formed not thinking it could do a better job than the current one, but many times base the new on the old.  Not necessarily bad, but without a vision, the same kind we had as kids, it is just another big box that was thrown away.  Its contents gone, and no longer usable.  So we are encouraged to stay within the church and its boundaries, and many time told we are better off doing it their way.  Don’t make waves, go along with the pastor and his board, or is it boring.  Instead a life in Christ should be challenging, exciting, and with a vision.  What plan does Jesus have for me?  And how will I know it when I see it?  Sometimes it goes beyond imagination, as God sees the whole picture, both inside and outside the boxes we live in.  And that is when life is exciting, we see more of Jesus, and guided by his spirit see more blessings and miracles.  Jesus once answered a question, telling his audience that he can do nothing of himself.  He could only do what his father in heaven showed him to do.  Maybe the original thinker inside the box, he operated outside the box his whole ministry, defying traditions and religious ways, and being everything his father wanted him to be.  Unto death and resurrection, Jesus operated outside the boundaries of church and religion, he walked in the spirit.  And his life was anything but boring.

Anytime Jesus showed up, things happened.  While the Pharisees shunned him for healing a lame man on the Sabbath, he showed him love.  He had a personal talk with a woman who had 5 husbands and living with another.  One time he commanded demons to leave, another spit in a blind man’s eye and gave him sight.  All things done in love, guided by his father.  A true rebel among rebels, he showed love and understanding when rules and legalism were portrayed by others.  And he encourages us the same way today.

Walking in the spirit is like thinking outside the box.  No walls or rules to hinder, and if God says it, it will be done.  Many times we just have to show up and obey, the hardest thing to do, for it involves trust, and sometimes ideas outside the realms of our imagination.  What  we fail to see sometimes was Jesus and his interaction with everyday people, we like the big miracles, but daily we can be part of many intimate moments with Christ.  last night he showed me one, simple to some, but important to the two of us.  A man I teach asked me to bless his Bible.  Now I cannot do that under legalism, theology will dictate otherwise.  So I wrote him a personal note inside, to remind him how much he is loved by God and me.  To encourage him when he looks at it, to point him back when his feet slip.  Outside the box of many, we were both blessed, him by asking and me by receiving, then by receiving.  The spirit directed me to show love, I thanked him for being my friend, a friend of Jesus.  Outside of the restraining walls of religion, the spirit guided me in love.  A small thing but a big thing at the same time.

Maybe we need to spend some time in an old box, thinking and dreaming.  Having fun, taking a break from life.  A time to let God be God, to listen to him, to be encouraged by him.  The ultimate prayer closet.  To see him outside the box of religion, and receive blessings.  Or to be a blessing.  Four walls do not make a church, we are the church.  A tabernacle where God has written his words on our hearts.  So we always have him with us.  Maybe next time you are subpoened to answer “are you in the word?” you can answer “the word is in me.  Is it in you?” 

Jesus could do nothing outside of himself.  And we cannot do anything without him, the way to the father.  A truth we need to act on, not just believe.  Without him we can achieve nothing, we him our lives can be as exciting as playing in a box.  Today you can become the man God wants you to be by just asking Jesus and listening, the most important part of prayer.  Then obeying, and even the simplest of things will be important.  Get out and live with Christ!

So many boxes and yet so little time.  A better reason to seek Jesus now.  Time is a wasting, and there are blessings to be had.  Our words and actins have little power unless done in the spirit of the Lord.  Take the freedom we once found in the box as kids and take it outside the box where the action is.  Where Jesus spent most of his time, out among the people, the lost who needed him.  You can join him in living a life for the father by getting out of the box and into the spirit.  Where only you are limited by your imagination.  We were born in a box, and will be buried in a box.  Don’t you think it is time for a break?  Escape and find life.  Let Jesus do the thinkin’ around here, and don’t you forget him!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

why don't you listen to what the man said...

Stopping and asking for directions is not an uncommon thing for us when traveling.  What is common is the amount of people who cannot give them.  When we frequent motorcycle shops, we ask for good riding roads, and often come up blank.  Stop at any convenience store, and ask directions, the blank look translates the same in any language.  So many who have lived in one place for their entire lives don’t know a way out, or even where they are.  Now I must admit I am getting worse, I forget names of roads, but I can get around the country, just not Escondido without incident.  I gave up trying to remember all the names, but I can remember the houses, cars, and sometimes even the people that made the memory and serve for my future directions.  It has become acceptable to not know where you are, or are going, GPS will take over that responsibility, you just obey.  And hope you get there, wherever there is.

But what I find even more aggravating is those who do know, and must give you even infinite detail of the route.  “Go 1.5 miles to Main Street, a DQ on the left, used to be a Big Boy.  Follow the street for 5 stoplights, not counting the flashing one for pedestrians.  Jim’s Music is on the right.  As you approach the light, watch your speed, Officer Muldoon just waits with his radar gun, and loves out of towners.  At the fifth light, remember not to count the pedestrian crossing, stay in the left lane, then quick right.  If you have passed the bowling alley, you went too far.  Turn around and......”  Been there done that, thanks, but I can get lost on my own. 

And then there are the helpful, “follow me, I’m going that way.”  And as they speed off, and you try to catch up, you actually pass the destination you were looking for, as the Good Sam continues off into the sunset.  Or next lost traveler.  So giving directions can be harder than asking for them.  I usually try to remember the highlights, at least for the first few turns.  Then stop and repeat process.  “Let’s see, right on Orchard, left on Maple, left on 8th.”  I can remember the street names, but add landmarks, distances, and other useful information, and I get lost.  Without the benefit of GPS, so I only have myself to blame.  At least as long as I have gas I am never lost.  And many a good diner, good road, or new area have been found despite the best efforts of those trying to help.  Maybe if I had just listened to what the man said I wouldn’t have gotten lost.  But I thought I had....

Now imagine you were lost for 38 years, or in the case of the lame man couldn’t walk for 38 years.  You heard of this man who does miracles named Jesus, but you are doubtful and hopeful all at the same time, you want to walk.  Here we find Jesus not commanding him to walk, but to just stand.  If he cannot stand, how will he be able to walk?  So it takes action to make faith work.  For faith to work, he had to do as Jesus instructed.  Then he tells him to pick up his mat and walk.  Standing must have been a hard enough concept, but carry that which I have laid on for 38 years?  Pick it up and walk?  Imagine the thoughts in his head, I stood, but that made me tired.  Where are my friends to carry me?  But Jesus’ instructions were simple, stand, pick up your mat, and walk.  Instantly how strength and balance were his instantly.  No learning to walk, no training steps or walker, not even a cane-WALK!  And he did! 

And take your mat with you, and dump it.  You will not need it any more.  No crutches, no exercises, get on with your  life.  But yet we have a desire to look back, to want help lest we should stumble and fall.  We have to cut ourselves off from the past, and go on in Christ.  Maybe lots of baby steps, but walking with him.  An expression of the change that Jesus makes in your life, for all to see.  He couldn’t walk, look at him running now.  He was a bum, look at his new job and career.  He was a druggy, look at him now that he is clean. And in every event with Jesus, people will see the difference in us.  Miracles that have happened, and how he changed us. 

Yet sometimes we still want to be carried, to rest after our experience, and get some glory.  A simple doubt of “how can I make it now?” should remind us that if he can save us, heal us, give us sight, or make us walk, he can continue after to guide us.  He never leaves us to go on our own.  Lest we get bad directions form well meaning people.  We need to still trust God....and let all others be liars.  We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, not on the crowd, the church, or even family or friends.  What Jesus has done is extremely personal, yet a testimony to be shared.  It is important that we share how Jesus has changed our lives.  Today I am a miracle, and have the scar from open heart surgery, and the files to prove it.  I don’t look back, I look ahead.  If he who changed my heart can heal my body too, why look anywhere else?  So why do we?

It is like asking directions, except the directions Jesus gives are easy.  We just have to follow them.  Notice he spoke but a few words, and the man obeyed.  It is possible you may have heard those few words, but didn’t act.  You wanted more, or different, and didn’t trust God.   You may be at the same spot for 38 years like the lame man, waiting and wanting.  And then Jesus comes along, and you start to obey, in trust.  And the message of hope changes to one of a miracle.  And you wonder, why I hadn’t listened to what the man said years ago?  Sound familiar, God has amazing things for you today.  He is speaking, are you listening?  Are you obeying?  Do you want to?  Well, do you want out of your situation?  Do you?

Jesus is the way, simple enough.  He who can heal and guide you, is the only one who can save your soul from destruction.  And yet many who are saved, that takes faith, don’t trust him with the other areas of their life.  I cannot tell you about the spiritual aspect of the lame man, all I can say is he was lame and now walks.  All because of Jesus.  Only Jesus.  Now isn’t he enough for you? 

And the happy ending is he picked up his mat and walked away.  Stand with Jesus, pick up your cross, and follow him today.  I can only imagine the first time he asked someone for directions to places he had never gone before, because he couldn’t.  “Say aren’t you the lame guy I grew up with 38 years ago?”  All because he listened to what the man said.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

homeward through the haze

Mostly I have an aversion to Interstate Highways when traveling.  These 4 to 14 lane monsters get you there without the hint of a traffic light, and with only limited access.  Only over the past 10 years have the Los Angeles style traffic jams started to slow them down across the US of A, and it is possible to ride from LA to New York City without a traffic light.  That is unless you take I-68, a 116 mile freeway that goes through West Virginia and Maryland.  And which mostly shadows old US 40, or The National Road.  I rode US 40 one night, spending a cold September night in Frostburg, and yes, I woke up to frost on my Honda Nighthawk.  But such beauty and mountains, we often think we have to go through the Rockies to see real mountains, you need to ride West Virginia.  But one escape route from the tediousness of 40, is the freeway.  And looking to make time, I would eventually ride from Escondido to New Jersey in under 70 hours, I stayed on the freeways.  And I-68 was a choice to make, and I am glad I did.  Looking ahead it promised great views, and looking back a great ride, but while on it, I was truly scared for my life.

I have driven in fog for almost 45 years now, living in Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.  But that afternoon I was not prepared for the fog, a total white out.  The views before heading up the pass were awesome, and I had just taken off my riding suit after hundreds of miles in the rain.  The sun was bright, but as I ascended the hill, the sun dimmed through the haze.  Which soon became like riding in a cloud and I was soaked, and then totally blinded.  On my Sprint RS, I couldn’t see my hands, no lights from the instruments, and no headlight shining.  It happened so quick and I wasn’t prepared for it.  My last impressions were of a semi in the lane on my right, and a car on my left just behind me.  But what do you do when all of you are blinded at once?  How do you know what is ahead of you, next to you, or behind you?  Do you slow down hoping not to get run into, do you pull over hoping the lane is empty, or do you speed up to get out of it quicker?  Hoping you don’t rear end anyone?  First aid for such a situation is don’t panic in a panic situation, and I had one, we all did.  So I slowed gently to 45, or what felt like it, I couldn’t see the speedo, and kept praying.  I have never been so blinded.....or scared.  But calm.  And I cannot say how long the whiteout lasted, but as I felt the road start to descend, my first view was of that same semi right where I had last seen him, and the car on my left the same.  We had all made it through safely, together, and minutes later the sun so bright no one would have believed our experience.

I had told people for years to trust God, but never had an experience like this to remember.  Looking back, if Jesus could calm the waves, he surely cold guide us through.  But all of us at once, a bigger miracle than just guiding me.  He spoke to the semi, other cars in front, back, and aside of me, and took us through the blindness, taking me homeward through the haze. And some years later riding the road in bright sunlight, I was even more amazed, as the road curved as it rose, and descended.  I had not only been brought straight through, but through the curves too!  God guides where we need to go, not just straight and narrow!  He is in the curves too!

A few years later on a Torches Across America run, Frank left Shanksville with Theresa and I heading east.  Old US 30, another great road bypassing the Pennsylvania Turnpike, another road worth riding, we ran into a similar fog.  We put on our flashers as we entered it, not smart enough to stop or turn around, and we lost sight of each other.  I knew he was behind, later he stated he knew I was ahead, just couldn’t see me, and maintained his speed, slowing slightly.  A steep downhill followed, and just near the bottom a hard right hand turn, with 20 mph speed warning.  Which we saw just in time to instinctively slow down and make it.  But again, God had taken us through a white out, and brought us out safely.

Too often we think of darkness as blindness, but such a whiteness thick with clouds will do the same thing.  We don’t know how thick the fog is, but we enter anyway.  Psalm 37 tells us to trust God and  we will live in the land and prosper.  But as sojourners here on earth, travelers to our final destination, we need to trust him, and not just in the darkness of fog.  We knew what to do when we encountered the white out, I wonder how different it would have been if God was telling not to go that route? 

Fortunately God is not taken by surprise, and his spirit never leaves us.  He is there to guide us through the haze, in the dark, and surprisingly enough in the light of his love.  By that same light.  Sadly we mainly turn to him in times of trouble, but how neat to be guided by him?  Can you imagine the rides you have been missing by not?  But sure as we ride, he is with us.  His perfect plan for us with imperfections in it.  To us potential tragedies, to him part of the ride.  I easily could have cursed him instead of calling out to him, many times the first response when things don’t go my way, and would have missed the miracle ride he had for us.  I had no training for the foggy rides, only Jesus, and he was there.  Now I don’t know if the others were believers, or even prayed, but God’s grace is sufficient, even to non-believers.  Like the rain, the fog falls on the just and the unjust.  We all need Jesus...to lead us homeward through the haze.

Today your haze may not be one of a fog, but of a decision to make.  What to do, how to handle a situation, or not being prepared for one that lies ahead.  Nothing takes God by surprise, and when we call on him, he will guide us.  And even before we can call on him, he is ready.  It is us who falter.  It is said that just the other side of the clouds is the sun, and I learned that not only above but below too.  I may never meet those who rode through this with me, I can only imagine their version of it.  Mine gives God all the glory, no way my mind knew to function like that, or the semi drivers, or the other cars.  God had us under control.  A comforting thought when encountering darkness, no matter what shade of black or white.  Sometimes the all ways we are told to acknowledge him are limited by our thoughts, take time to thank him now for the good, and lean on him for the future.  None are so blind than those that cannot see, and I saw Jesus.  I knew he was there, my spirit told me, and I felt safe.  So I can honestly say Jesus rides a motorcycle, and can attest to his love for Triumphs and me.  That day as today, I need to lean on him more and more.  He knows the future, and is my future.  How I get there depends on him.  I can trust and obey, or resist, and suffer.

Obedience is better than sacrifice.  You make your own choice, I choose Jesus.  In the fog, in the mist, and in the whiteout, he was with me.  A light so bright it cannot be seen.  Only in your spirit can you know he is with you.  Not seeing is believing...we call it faith.  Ride by it today, and ride without worry.  How do you know where you are going when you lose sight?  Jesus knows....do you know him?

By the way, at the bottom is a traffic light, the only one on the Interstate System.  You never know what lies ahead.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the race

Did you know that on the first week in February the International 500 Mile Snowmobile will take place?  For the 48th time!  Where on snow and ice racers will travel at speeds exceeding 100 mph in near zero degree weather?  Now that’s hard core....that’s racing.  Also next year The Race of Gentlemen will offer a west coast venue at Pismo Beach?  You can be assured I will be there, as vintage cars from 1932-45, and pre-1945 motorcycles race a 1/8 mile on the sand-for fun and bragging rights.  And the right coast version has moved to June in Wildwood, New Jersey.  Whoever said nothing good comes out of Jersey?  Check both events out on the internet.  It seems that within the heart of man, whenever two or more are gathered, they want to race.  Whether it is comparing 401k’s, size of house, trophy wives, or even race cars, the competition begins.  We want to win, or at least to compete and not lose.  I was never much of a racer, I ride for fun, but one afternoon from Golden to New Madrid, New Mexico I answered, or more precisely the dare.  And I found in me a competitive spirit I thought I had lost...

Being the new kid in town, I had moved to Albuquerque only 8 months before, I was selling motorcycles at Motorsport, BMW, Suzuki, and Triumph.  I owned a 1974 R90S, that had been tuned by a friend at Lindner’s shop in Connecticut before I left, and it ran fast.  The sound through the Dunstall pipes was like the sirens sweetly singing, to anyone who heard them.  And on that fateful day, I would need all the horsepower, speed, courage on the edge of stupidity, and luck I could muster.  On Highway 14, the road to the Crest, a little tavern that was the town of Golden sits, and meeting a braggart there, with his all girl fan club tested me.  He carried in his white Chevy van Ron Pierce’s #4 Daytona racer Yamaha 350.  Not your basic bike, the one that had raced at Daytona, when Ron was a national #4 racer.  It was geared to do over 140mph, and he liked to go out and race it against others, who didn’t know what the bike was.  He kept pushing me, and I refused, until my pride was so insulted it couldn’t back down, and we raced.  Nothing formal, just a seven mile race on the road between Golden and New Madrid, now just Madrid as seen in the biker movie Wild Hogs.  30 years before.  Non-yuppie then.  And the race was on...

According to road tests at the time,  the BMW was geared for 124-fast at the time.  He took off, and ran faster for a while, until the curves.  Who said BMW’s don’t handle?  And after awhile I passed him, in one set of curves, going over 100 mph.  He backed off,  I slid sideways, but kept it up and passed him.  By the time he got to the end, I was parked in front of the mine shaft museum with my helmet off.  Maybe it is the rider after all, it was that day.  He told me “that bike is fast, but you’re nuts passing me the way you did and sliding.”  And so a sedate ride back followed, and when the girls ran to meet him, ready to celebrate, I let him lead, he muttered how I had won, threw the bike in his van, and left with his cheerleaders in tow.  Maybe second place isn’t so bad. But by the next morning the word was on the street, and guys I never heard of were coming into the shop to meet me.  Some to challenge me.  Some to see the bike.  It seems he was a local hero or legend, at least in his own mind, and I had beat him.  And now others wanted to see me race.  And I never did.  For it had scared me pretty good too, and now you know.  I had won the race, the only race I would ever race, and retired undefeated.  1-0.

Another time 2000 years ago, two men met, and one challenged the other.  Nicodemus, aka Nick at Night, had met with Jesus.  Both powerful and influential men, Nicky had heard of Jesus, and wanted to meet him.  Nicky was a Pharisee, head of the Sanhedrin, and a wealthy and powerful man.  If nothing else but reputation he deserved heaven.  He kept all the Mosaic laws, performed his priestly duties, and was well loved and respected.  His opening line acknowledged Jesus as coming from God, as no one could do the things he did if not from God.  Things no man had ever done before-even the mighty Pharisees.  But Jesus told him “you must be born again.”  He cut right to the chase, not mixing words.  You see without a spiritual change, you cannot enter heaven a spiritual place.  You must be born of the spirit, a new birth, that Nicky like many of us try translate into physical terms.  Living in a physical world that is only natural, what we need is super natural.  We need the spirit to point us to Jesus to be saved.

You see Nicodemus had won all the races of the human race.  Accolades befell him no matter his peer group.  He was rich, powerful, and religious.  All the things of success in the world, quite the opposite of Jesus who was poor, but powerful in love, and anything but religious.  In fact, the Pharisees were his enemies.  And Nicky was one, but his heart was about to change.  He was about to be a new creation in Christ, born again in the spirit, born of an incorruptible seed, and become a new hope, passing from death unto life.  And he left pondering the words of Jesus, as we do, until 20 chapters later in John, where he risks everything calling for the body of Jesus after his crucifixion.  He called on Jesus after his death, and we can too.  For Jesus has been resurrected just as he said he would be, and is alive, calling to us to be born again.  By the spirit so we can defeat death and live in heaven with him.  Jesus fulfilled an emptiness in Nicky that he hadn’t counted on, his life and style still left him empty, only Jesus could fulfill the God shaped vacuum in his life, and ours.  Today may be the first time you encounter Jesus, but someday the spirit will call and ask you “who is Jesus?”  Some say teacher, or rabbi, great teacher.  But only the spirit reveals his deity, and when you see that, you can repent and be born again.  No matter where, how, or what you are.  No matter the race or machine, you can be a winner.  And retire one with a simple victory in Christ.

Now racing in zero degree weather may sound crazy, so does a 1/8 mile in the sand for nothing but recognition.  What was I thinking that afternoon?  We don’t always race for a trophy, but we do race to win.  I did that day, and would on other bikes over other courses.  But never with the drive and intensity of that afternoon.  Now I choose my races better, and like my battles I win more.  But when I won the prize of heaven in Jesus, then I became a real winner, with a testimony to share with others.  Nicky met him in a garden in town, I met him on the beach in Santa Monica.  Each race venue for salvation will be different, and you can claim victory in it in Jesus.  But you will race, and you will be a competitor.  Why not join the winning team and enjoy life, and heaven too?  Nick at Night met Jesus, and his forever changed.  You see you will be challenged as I was that afternoon, in a situation where you cannot back down.  Today I issue the challenge to you, life in Jesus or death.  Born again or death.  Heaven or hell.  The gospel is simple, you must be born again.  No second place finish for heaven, truly second is first loser in forever.  Today you can win the race of life, running what you brung, but leaving it behind.  If the richest Pharisee, head of the Sanhedrin gave it all up for heaven, what have you to lose to gain it all?  You never know where or when the next challenge will come from.  I know Jesus, and I won the race of life. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com