Detroit-they used to make cars there, didn't they?

Years ago I had a customer who did business in Detroit, but lived in La Jolla.  He was part of a decades old family run business, and would visit Motown a few times a year.  When not driving the latest Mercedes Benz had to offer, he drove an old “pregnant elephant” Packard convertible, a beautiful light yellow.  The first new Packards after WWII, it connected him to Detroit and its past, long before it became the urban blight it is today.  One afternoon he let me drive it around La Jolla, and many heads turned.  While the younger ones stared, just another old car to them, the older folks smiled and waved, as they could remember when Packard meant luxury, which meant success and prestige.  Both understood in La Jolla still today.  But he would tell me stories of how grand it was driving down E. Grand in Detroit, and the majesty of the old buildings, all based on the auto business, that formed the town.  But he warned how the city had fallen into decay, and that carjacking was a popular sport for thieves, and leave an out when stopping for a stop light.  They would box you in and rob you...hard to imagine such a gorgeous car came from a town that rich in history, but had become the poorest of the poor within a few decades after.  When the auto manufacturers found it cheaper to build cars in other countries rather than try to meet userous union demands, Detroit became a toilet, where once old, proud  neighborhoods existed, now being torn down or burned down.  And so when we travelled through Detroit 6 years ago, we were careful to avoid the downtown, although riding through it on the interstate.  Depressing and depressed, houses could be sold for hundreds of dollars, or entire blocks for a few thousand.  The auto business had left Detroit, and so had the decades of prosperity, the history, the wealth, and the legacy.  In a succession of mayors that went to jail, Detroit came to represent all that was wrong with America.  Detroit, they used to build cars there, didn’t they?

Watching a show on the water crisis in Flint, up the road from Detroit, I remember riding through there on the way to Detroit, but not stopping.   It was scary, rusty, abandoned buildings, all that Detroit promised later, was seen there.  The town that gave us Buick, who gave us Billy Durant, who formed General Motors, and built cars there himself after he was fired from the same company twice, and many auto related businesses.  It was in ruin, and really is today from the fact you cannot drink the water.  It is poisonous, and kids are getting sick.  Imagine no drinking water, no showers, which means houses are worth around $10,000 on the high end, which kills any business wanting to move in.  No more real estate for sale, houses are being condemned, and one plumber estimates that it would take around $10,000 per home, times 25,000 of them to make them safe.  No one will spend the money to fix their home to make it worth what it is with no water, mixed in with high poverty levels, Buicks aren’t made in Flint, but there is a huge new plant in China, and nothing gets fixed.  Health deteriorates, but attitudes have already begun, and fingers are pointed.  Surely the government is to blame, and the political outcries were heard.  “Spend more money, dump the republican governor,” not surprising from an all Democratic council, mayor, and senator.  Another case of the government failing the people, but really it may have roots that are self inflicted going back many years.  No matter, it needs to be fixed, and blaming each other only starts more problems, more arguments.  Soon people are at each other, race war escalates, and everyone loses.  The one unifying statement was that “no one trusted government,” and wanted to start over. With what or who wasn’t stated, just that government has to pay for it.  Which means you and me.....

But back to Detroit, where a man from South America bought the old Packard plant, all 40 acres of what is left, with a dream of turning it into a business complex.  He paid only $405,000 for it, but has spent 10 times that cleaning it up, and lost his latest backer due to economic changes in the world that threaten a downturn.  He will secure other funding, but for now the future is on hold.  It seems that all the money may rebuild a beautiful historic plant one day, make it usable and desirable, but who is going to change the hearts of people in Detroit?  Why would anyone want to move there?  Add Flint into the equation, and will the last person out of Michigan please turn out the light?  All the king’s horses, and all his men are in danger, and they blame each other, but still think money is the answer.  Hey Bill Gates, here is a town for sale?  What great place to show your humanitarianism?  Bring back Detroit!  Bring back Flint!  Can you right click and repair this mess?

Scripture tells us the wise man built his house upon the rock, and when the storms came it withstood them.  The rock being Jesus, and trusting him in all situations.  Built upon greed and money, we see the love of money will also kill you when you flee with it elsewhere.  When profits became the main thing, and more could be made somewhere else, money made there went elsewhere in search of even more.  The love of money being the root of all evil, Detroit, Flint, and many other once prosperous towns like them in the US of A stand of testimonies of that.  When built on money, when the money is gone, the people turn on each other, and soon we have anarchy.  Out of control, and we see it today, warned of in the Bible, demonstrated on streets in cities worldwide.  But Jesus talks of resurrection, can cities be resurrected too?

You can only resurrect something that was alive once and has died.  Jesus tells us he is “the resurrection and the life,” yet many pray, then stand in government lines waiting for a hand out.  When we pray do we wait for an answer?  Or do we start to blame God for our situation?  Have you ever considered what God has done in the past when we pray?  We believe in a final resurrection, but do we believe God for a right now one?  Do we have faith in him right now, or do we behave as the lenders do, a world crisis looms, we will wait until it is over.  Only hastening its arrival....will we listen to God’s answer, or are we too busy complaining and blaming to listen?  Are we listening now?  Do you believe the hope and future Jesus talks about can happen today?  Yesterday today was tomorrow...and we believed a better day was coming, are we watching and waiting, and maybe God has answered, and we missed it, or didn’t agree with it?

Detroit is an example of too many lives, built not upon the rock, Jesus Christ, and when troubles come, they suffer and die.  How fitting God uses storms of water to wash away the foundations, and Flint knows all about bad water.  But Jesus offers good water, the best water, the spirit.  Can we drink from him just a sip, and see our lives changed?  We say we believe God, will we trust him enough to follow him if the path is treacherous?  Will we learn from Detroit and Flint, or carry on not trusting God until it happens here?  Do you believe God can resurrect your life, or are you just waiting to die a slow death without him?
Some believe resurrection power only works in cemetaries, but it starts from within.  Repent, turn to Jesus, then obey and follow.  The government cannot help you, local social clubs are ineffective, and even the churches are failing.  We need Jesus, before it is too late.  When each one of us is resurrected, others will follow.  Our testimony and Jesus will change them.  It isn’t about money, but about Jesus.  Who offers you to drink from his well...are you still thirsty?  Tired, and need rest?  Confused and disillusioned?  He will calm you, place your feet on solid ground, and resurrect you.  One bad decision can bring decades of misery, one good one, turning to Jesus, can turn it all around. 

Too much water we get floods, not enough droughts.  Dirty we get sick.  But living water will keep us well, and guarantee the future.  Don’t let a physical problem mask a spiritual one.  Do not treat a symptom, treat the disease.  Sin is the disease, Jesus the only cure.  Detroit-pray for them, that their eyes may be open, and their hearts changed.  That they will be saved, and Jesus will save their city.  Men have dreams about resurrecting historical plants, do we dream of a day when God resurrects our hearts?  It has already begun, will you be part of it?  Which fountain will you drink from?  The people in flint have no other fountain to turn to, but will they?  If faced with a problem, where do you drink from when thirsty?  And when the floods came the house stood.  Jesus is the rock...even in Flint and Detroit.  Turn to him before the lights go out.  Today many can only drink water from a bottle, don’t keep your God bottled up too.  Just a thought when you turn on your tap, or shower today.  Where does your water come from?  Water from a rock, or water the government told you was safe?  And would you wash your old Packard with it?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

thoughts about waiting in line

The one true American sport, one that defies age, sex, even disabilities, is waiting in line.  We spend so much of our time waiting in line, that we don’t even realize it.  You expect to at Disneyland, where over an hour in line can get you the same ride that on a slow Tuesday means no line at all.  When watching the NFL on Sundays, Mondays, or Thursdays, we wait in between the plays at least 40 seconds, sometimes more with TV time outs.  Maybe the NFL should be described as 5 seconds of action after 40 seconds of waiting.  Same with Disneyland, an hour of wait for 3 minutes of fun. And yet we wait, and wait, and wait....

Here in Escondido none of the traffic lights seem to be synchronized, at least the way I am going.  And with busy streets, can take 2-3 minutes, or longer for the light to change.  So what do we do-wait.  Same at In-and-Out, we wait for a long time for fast food, which we eat in a few minutes.  After waiting in a long line.  Grocery stores make us wait in line to check out and pay-why is it there is always some obnoxious woman on her cell phone with over 20 items when I am behind her in the express lane?  It seems that whenever someone has what  we want, we are willing to wait for it, no matter how long it takes.  And if you think about it-what is it that makes us wait for something, that we have to pay for after waiting?  Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

And many times we get impatient while waiting, or contemplating waiting.  Driving around LA on a busy day makes you think the city is huge, and it is.  But on a light trafficked Sunday morning, where you can get around fast, you realize how small it really is.  Subtract the wait time in traffic, and it takes on a different size.  Thank goodness for being able to lane split.  And today many toll roads that still have toll booths have us waiting in line to pay.  Hurry up and wait has become a new mantra for America, something to think about the next time you are waiting for the light to turn green, listening to Ms. more than 20 items in the express lane, or to ride the Matterhorn at Disneyland.  The great common denominator-waiting in line.

While waiting is a universal theme, so is delaying.  Putting things off, which is different than waiting.  We can’t wait until we are 21, yet wish we could delay 60.  We delay making a big decision, we can’t wait to get it over with.  So we need to recognize the difference between waiting and delaying.  Waiting is for something expected, delaying is putting off that something expected.  Too many people live an “in the last minute “ life.  From homework to breaking up, to cutting the yard, or washing the car, we delay things as long as we can.  Yet the task at hand waits for us.  Life and death are like that also.  We know heaven waits, yet we want to delay the trip.  We take great pains to stay alive, we want to go, but we have little say in the matter.  Which is maybe why some don’t like death, we have no control over it.  While some hang on and wait to die, others delay it via miracle drugs.  But we are all mortal, except those that have obtained immortality in Christ.  Some days I am eager to go to heaven, other times I am having much too good a time to want to leave.  Yet if we saw heaven for what it is, we might all be committing suicide to get there.  We wait for the headache or illness to pass, praying “God take me now,” yet when it passes, we want to stay and live another day.  But to those who have heard the gospel, and have not come to Jesus, each day for them is a gift form God they don’t know about, for if they had died, it would be hell.  So God is patient that none should perish, he isn’t delaying, but waiting for all to come to repentance.  Maybe praying for that rude person at the light, or in line may make a difference for them. 

Yet God proves the importance of waiting, and of his timing with childbirth.  36 weeks or 9 months, give or take a day and all should be well.  Too short, you get a premie with potential problems.   Too long and you have to induce labor.  God knew this when he created us, and it is still true today.  Life is precious at the beginning, and also at the end.  Maybe if we considered how precious the in between the two is we may have a different attitude.  How many get excited about a new baby coming, yet won’t even talk about what lies ahead after life?  God is loving, and we should get close enough to want to go home to heaven, and he doesn’t delay, if he came only one day before each of us had been saved, think of he difference that would have made.  Something to consider the next time we get impatient, God knows, maybe there is another one just like you who needs to be saved.  Just look around for evidence.

Things to consider while standing in line.  Or waiting at a light.  Or wishing the line at Disneyland was shorter. God knows and has it all under control.  At just the right time, while we were still sinners, he sent Jesus to save us.  Jesus never hurried, and was never late.  Or too early, always on time.  Something to consider, his love for us. So try to be patient and loving.  He waited for you, and that was important.  He is waiting for others too.  He is patient that none should go to hell.  Of course, he never had to spend an afternoon at the DMV....NEXT!

love with compassion,

MIke

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

one road at a time

January around our house means planning for the next summer’s long ride.  We used to call them trips, but they really are long rides, with stops in between.  And no matter how much time I spend researching, making reservations, and reading maps, along the way we become flexible and change courses.  If we see a place we like, maybe spend an extra day, if too early in the day to stop, the next town may be inviting us to spend the night there.  So I use many sources to plan, and already have made over 35 reservations, including the 14 I cancelled.  I have found it pays to reserve early, you can always cancel, and the best ones fill up fast.  That and some places give discounts for early bookings....so book the ride we do.  In days of old when we were bold we based our days on 500 miles, which often turned into a lot more, one 847 mile ride from San Antonio to Tucson comes to mind.  But now 200-300 is the plan, and with places to stop along the way, and side roads left to explore.  Which has taken us to many places we choose to return to, at one time taking notes to return, now if we see it, we ride it.  We never know if or when we may return, so we seize the moment as they say.  Or ride it. 

I tend to stay away from cities, and popular areas, finding the back roads and countryside more to our liking.  Less traffic, more roads to ride, and America is still out there, if you have the time to find it.  There are still motels on the old highway offering rest and friendliness to travelers, diners who mean home cooking, and serve seconds, and locals who share history away from the scheduled tours.  We get out to where the tourists aren’t, and become a local, if only for a day while there. 

One night in Zanesville, Ohio, the manager of an old tourist court, the cabins were individual, gave me a $10 discount for me and my bike, extending the arm of brotherhood to a fellow rider. $14 for the night, and better than any Motel 6 or discount chain.  I slept in 50 years of history...knowing my bike and its rider would be safe.  Over breakfast another time, we were talking to the cook behind the counter, and talked motorcycles.  He remarked about the exhibit at the local museum, and wondered if we knew of Von Dutch.  When we said yes, he called him up, and he came down and sat for a few minutes. Introduced himself as Kenny, only on a bike.  How many shop owners come down to help a broken down biker on a Sunday night?  Yet Tom did, fixed the bike, charged me $20, then lent me money for a motel room.  “Pay me when you get back....”  I sent the check, but how do you payback such hospitality?  The best way I know is to extend it, or pay it ahead as is the stylish term today.  Welcome the stranger, feed and water them and their steed, and send them away renewed and refreshed.  One road at a time, for we don’t know what is just up the road, or what tomorrow may bring. One day you are on a ride to Wisconsin, the next day being life flighted to Albuquerque.  So we stay flexible, and find that God knows what is ahead, and will take care of us.  No matter where we end up, or how we get there.

I have found in life that God is a God of order.  He will not let you advance to the next step until you complete the one you are on.  In the days of Zechariah, when the city needed rebuilding, God gave them houses to build.  I know many contractors who would leap at the chance, and for a few days, many did.  But soon the grumbling began.  Some were building bigger houses, some smaller.  Some building more, some less.  And soon building houses was not enough, they wanted to build cities, tabernacles, and the temple.  And went to Zachariah to complain.  But God’s answer was as always right on, and he asked them a question, as he usually does.  “How can you want to build cities when you cannot even build houses?  If you cannot complete what I ask, what qualifies you for bigger things?”  And later Jesus would put it to the disciples another way, “how can you remove the splinter from your friends eye when you cannot see the log in your own?”  God sure does ask a lot of questions, causing us to think about the situation.  Like traveling, you cannot change highways until you get there, so enjoy the trip. And be surprised at the things, the blessings along the way.  Man plans, God laughs.  But he also blesses abundantly, when riding in his spirit. 

Jesus is the way, the way to heaven, to the father.  Reuniting us with God after our sins.  But he also is the way through life, and a great guide to follow.  Hungry, he knows what is open, and your appetite.  Thirsty, stands selling juice appear in the countryside.  A bed for the night, he saves the last one, the best one for you.  Alone and wondering, he knows the way.  Remember he is the way.  And he meets your needs.  So many roads, and it is getting late, don’t panic.  He is patient with us, but don’t miss out.  The best deal may be the old motel in front of you, instead of the new luxury inn down the road.  Jesus knows the road, he spent his life on them, the ultimate trip planner.  Need help with that log?

And so God has sent his spirit to guide us, to comfort us, and assure us.  Wonderful counselor is how he is called,  he knows your budget, where you like to ride, and the roads to take.  So stay the course, you never know what lies ahead.  On one trip to Springville, we took a road over the mountain and ended up in Exeter.  A great destination we return to.  Another night led me to a State Trooper in Ohio, who led me back to the highway.  “This is a place people wander into and don’t return,” he warned.  And one night in Victoria, needing a room, we got the last room,, a suite, for a room price, she called over to the kitchen, which was closed, and they stayed open for us.  Sitting and talking, asking about our trip.  And when we left, she handed me the key to the spa, which was closed.  From Jesus to today, God knows the road you are on, and has a place for you.  Follow him to get there....even if it is cold and dark.

Monopoly taught us that five houses equal a hotel.  A hotel is one night, 5 houses a weeklong ride.  Don’t be in such a hurry you miss Jesus.  He is found in the least likely of places, and if the inn is full, try the barn.  One night in Bethlehem it served as the entry of Jesus into the world.  What Jewish theologian would have predicted that?  One road at a time, the one you are on.  Isn’t it good that God has a plan for you, and your ride?  One day at a time, one road at a time.  Like in details, it is the smaller back roads where we see the hand of God.  And get to eat of his harvest.  Where the cattle you pass will someday be the special, the cows your milk for your breakfast.  Deal with the splinter, build the house, let God add unto you.  And as long as there is room for him in your house, you will never be lonely or hungry.  See you on the road....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

on buying a bike sight unseen

A dream of mine, based on a dentist friend in Albuquerque many years ago, was to locate a certain bike outside of my local area, take a train ride to get it, and then ride it back.  This dentist friend had told me, this in 1976, of buying a 1937 Packard Dual Cowl Phaeton, I love the name, with a V-12, located in Minnesota.  He took Amtrak which only took three days, and carried the cash only transaction in a grocery back with him.  After three days he smelled bad, had started a beard, and was wearing jeans and a denim jacket.  Carrying a paper shopping back, before the question of paper or ?  He took a taxi to the address given, and knocking on the door in a well to do neighborhood was excited to get his new car.  He knocked, and no one answered, so he knocked again, harder, still no answer.  Finally a voice came from behind the door, go away, we don’t want any.  He knocked again, stating he was buyer for the Packard, no response.  Finally seeing a face looking out from the peephole, he dumped the $35,000 in cash on the porch, “I came from New Mexico to buy your car!”  And though suspicious, they opened the door.  And got to be good friends, Tom was not quite what a Minneapolis dentist looked like, but his money was good anywhere.  His trip back took longer, he cruised the old roads, and the trip was mostly uneventful for a 40 year old classic.  And so the seed was planted, and I was going to live it.

I had settled on early Honda 750’s, Suzuki GS 750 and 1000’s, and kept my search within 1500 miles.  Which led to many bikes looked at, quite a few phone calls made, and many questions asked and answered, with lots of photos emailed.  And as I got to know the seller, they revealed things not in the ad, to my chagrin sometimes, and also my disappointment.  A 1974 CB750 seemed right, until the seller told of newer parts, I wanted it stock.  Pass.  Again a 1981 GS1100, red and stock, but the owner’s picture showed a dent in the tank his ad didn’t mention.  Finally a 1978 GS750E Suzuki, just what I wanted, clean with low miles.  We agreed upon a price, all his pictures matched his description, and the deal was made.  Until a later voice mail told me he couldn’t sell the bike.  He was a perfectionist and wanted to give the bike a tune up for me, and when he went to adjust the valves, found one cam lobe rusted and worn.  He couldn’t and wouldn’t sell me the bike...I was disappointed but grateful and impressed by his integrity.

But finally I found my 1978 GS1000E Suzuki at a dealer in Everett, Washington.  Sold on consignment, it was a barn find, but well reconditioned.  A rare find still being stock, as most had been raced to death then thrown away.  With just over 20,000 miles, we set the deal and I was off.  Not by train, a two and half day trip, compared to a two hour flight at half the cost.  Cash in hand, or really pocket, I arrived, I was picked up at the airport, the bike was as advertised, and we did the deal.  With only a Washington law about sales tax the only problem, they discounted the bike the additional amount.  And I was off on my planned 4 day return ride home, some 1400 miles.  Which I did in two, the bike ran so well, cruising at 80, or really by tach as the speedo cable gave up by Oregon.  But no other problems, a great ride, and a dream fulfilled.  Lessons learned, a trip taken some 32 years after the bike was new, and today I still have it, with 9000 miles added over 5 years.  But I learned a lot about buying a vehicle long distance, and would do things differently next time.  Ask more questions, take the full 4 days, and bargain harder.  I got a good deal, but there is nothing like experience to guide you, good or bad.  Hopefully good on your end, learning about and from the bad of others.  And if you are wondering, yes I would do it again, and I hope to someday.

Accepting an invitation to church can be a risky thing.  We all extend them, but don’t think about what the invitee is thinking, what is their preconceived notion?  I have had a few, one a pretty face invited to a Bible study, and when I was the only one with a Bible I should have known better. It turned out to be New Age, and I left, no love here, and freedom of expression was defined as if you agree with me.  Another time a group of us were invited, and when I got up and left, many came with me, a few staying out of respect for the inviter.  Who had himself been led astray.  Just because the invite mentions church, doesn’t mean that God or Jesus are part of it.  So I have learned, like I did from buying a bike unseen, to ask more questions.  Better questions, and to listen better to the answers.  For not all who come in the name of the Lord are of God.  Some even have Jesus in their name, but deny his deity.  One group claims to be God’s chosen witnesses, but denies Jesus is God.  Changing key words, and outright denying Jesus Christ for who he is.  Fortunately they will admit to not being Christians, but a church.  So beware. 

In 2 John we are warned by the Apostle of love to beware of those who have a false gospel.  To not even wish them God bless you, not to engage with them, or let them into your home.  Yet many fall prey to them, and some will argue or study with them, claiming how will they be saved if they aren’t told?  And come away bruised and damaged, they will tear you down before you change them.  Only Jesus changes lives, and if not led by the holy spirit, they are led by an unholy spirit.  So beware....many will come in his name but are wolves in sheep’s clothing.  And once in are hard to get rid of.

Remember that the next time you ask someone to church.  They too may have been burned, or maybe you have.  Jesus gave us his spirit to take the gospel out to the world, not to invite it to church.  It is not just the pastor’s job to share the gospel, and your lifestyle and testimony may speak louder words than any message from behind a pulpit.  Revelation says we are “saved by the blood of the lamb, and our testimony.”  Jesus saves, we are the messenger, and he is the message.  Our testimony the proof.  The gospel, good news.  Consider that when you are told to evangelize.  We are to be witnesses, not go out and witness.  Our lives should reflect Jesus when no one is looking.  Our words should match the ad we portray in daily life, not just a pretty picture not showing the other side of the bike with dents.  The spirit will give us words as we need them, and if silent, maybe a good thing too.  We are not salespeople, but ambassadors.  Stop and think, would you like to be like you?  Is Jesus your true Lord, or are you exaggerating hoping to win an argument?  To sell your own ideas?  Or are you just lost altogether? 

Rely on the spirit when sharing, but also buying and selling.  Too many times I have rushed into a deal wishing I had waited.  But God’s mercy caught me.  Maybe the fruit of the spirit, the characteristics of God are better than words.  Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, meekness, and log suffering will show more about God in your life than any memory verse.  Words are forgotten long after the experience is remembered.  I don’t remember the names of the potential sellers, funny how I remember the bikes down to the details.

Study to find yourself approved, not saved.  When driven by the spirit of the Lord you will see truth through his eyes.  His word, the Bible will back up what he has been showing you.  For Jesus is truth, the only way.  Don’t be misled by a clever ad, or a free offer.  Ask questions,and if it doesn’t seem right, walk away before you wish you had run.  Only Jesus saves, and he will lead you to places you never would have thought of.  God loves questions, and loves you to ask, to test the spirit to see if it is him.  Seek ye first the kingdom of God, then all things will be added unto you.  Which makes it easier to explain the rust bucket in your garage that seemed like such a deal on Craigslist. 

Now about that original bike you have for sale....except for what, you say?   Take the time to pray before, rather than seek forgiveness later. And if God says no he knows best.  And may have a better yes just ahead.  Funny how we can trust him with our souls for life, but not ask him about things we need to do.  So seek him first....and enjoy the ride of your life.  No matter where it takes you. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com