a sense of mission

When Henry Ford II was refused by Enzo Ferrari to buy his car company, Hank the Deuce made it clear he wanted to beat him, at the one thing Ferrari did well, racing.  So he picked a man called Leo Beebe to head a team to do just that, with three key races in mind.  Le Mans, Daytona, and Indianapolis were his targets, the mission given to him, and he put together the team that did it in 1966. His key first win was at Le Mans, and after 24 hours of racing, swept the first three places.  Hank the Deuce had won, his team had been given the mission to not only beat Ferrari, but win the race.  A tough mission for any trace team, but for one two years old it would seem insurmountable.  He had put the right man in charge and given him the mission, on a note Leo carried with him in his wallet, “you better win.”  Just put one of our cars in the winner’s circle.  And following the advice of Hank’s late grandfather, Henry Ford, did just that.  Hank and Leo were old friends, but the mission was obvious.

His advice was as simple as the man who had put America on wheels with the Model T, “Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress, working together is success.”  The key word there is together, for even a great car with a poor driver had no hope, just as a great driver in a poor car had little hope.  They needed strong engineering, a devoted pit crew, and committed racers to win, all motivated by one man, Leo Beebe.  And “you better win” was Henry Ford II’s demand, he would beat Ferrari!  And no one expected a one-two-three sweep, that was teamwork. And Ford would win Le Mans for 4 straight years, 1966-69.   It worked 50 years ago in racing, and it still works today.  And even 2000 years ago.

The bigger the mission the bigger the egos may show up.  The old saying “too many chiefs and not enough Indians” is not new, and when the apostles, under the guide of the Holy Spirit started the first century church, God had given them a specific mission.  They were told to “not wait tables,” a mission for others, but to be apostles.  No New Testament was written yet, their words and teachings, the Apostle’s Creed was it, carried verbally by them.  A tremendous job of prayer and preaching...a responsibility to God and for others.  So when told to not wait tables, they weren’t being given favor over others, as the cry would be today, but given specific instructions from the spirit.  And when they followed it, the church grew, and all involved got to see the gift given them in place.  They had come together to form the first church, they kept together as the spirit guided them in progress, and working together were successful.  But it was the spirit guiding them that brought the success, for without the spirit their would be no team, and no one to guide them.  The apostles had spent time with Jesus, seen him at his highest and lowest times, and his example would guide them via his spirit.  For only a true apostle has seen Jesus....now it was time to distribute the gifts of the spirit to others as needed.   It is on the basis of scripture that the church rests, on God’s Holy Word, the Bible, and we need to remember that Jesus was and is the word incarnate.  A living and breathing and resurrected word, no other holy book can compare to.  Little did Henry Ford know 2000 years later his philosophy of building Ford Motor Company would be built upon what the holy spirit said to the first church.  And it still works today....

Some years ago I was a chaplain in a national motorcycle ministry.  When taking a national position with them, I had to step down to step up.  No more teaching, but now onto newer responsibilities.  I missed the teaching, so when asked to speak at a rally, jumped on it.  But after accepting, was given some good advice.  “Pray about it, another Mike may be waiting for the chance.”  And I did, and turned it down, and another man was waiting for his chance.  And he stepped in and accepted the challenge.  My ego had said yes, but the spirit knew best.  A decision I am glad I made.  For the minute the church, us strays from the spirit’s guiding, the moment the scriptures become all about us, we are in error, and guided by self rather than God.  We lose our light, our strength, and our ability to function, for for the church to function it must be built upon the rock.  If only religion knew this, imagine how strong the church and its presence would be felt in the world today.  We need that sense of mission from the holy spirit again to be strong, coming together to from a bond, staying together to grow and progress, and working together to see success.  Not our success, but the success based on the Lord.  If it all about us, we already fail.  Sometimes a church is failing and it is just too big to notice it.  But the individuals do...and Hank the Deuce’s note should be carried in our hearts, “you better win.”

For losing means hell and damnation, the basis for evangelism.  Not filling a building, or sending out others on missions.  If the mission the spirit has given you has failed, the church fails, and no matter how many good works are done, no matter how many Bibles distributed, or ministries created, if the spirit is not in it you lose.  We need strong leaders who trust God over personal success, and men and women to follow their example in the field of life.  “You better win” is not a threat, but a fact, for losing is hell.  No second place wins for heaven, and like Le Mans, life is an endurance race.  Where you finish is the goal, how you get there during the race can have an impact, but where you are at the finish is the only goal.  Losing by seconds after leading the race is still losing, just as he who dies with the most toys still dies.  Fortunately we have a written New Testament today, but it only works when the advice is taken, and we need teachers and preachers, as well as those who serve and wait tables.  Jesus gave the ultimate service on the cross, but he also washed feet, a humbling experience.  Would we bow to wash feet?  Would your pastor?  Your priest?  Bishop?  But if you do, you are emulating Christ. Remember all the apostles died martyr’s deaths.  Still interested in the position?

The primary function of management is to motivate.  If it doesn’t it fails.  What motivates you?  If not a who, the spirit, take some time to listen to what the spirit is saying.  Come together in the spirit, grow together as one in Christ, and work together to be successful.  For where God guides, he provides.  Each one of us has a place on God’s team, use the gift he has given you and enjoy the blessings that come from it.  A successful waiter is better than a poor manager, a live dog better than a dead lion.   But both need the spirit to guide them.  Leo was told “you better win,” only in Christ will you ever win.  And a podium finish awaits all who believe.  See you in the winner’s circle, at the cross.  Like an old mechanic one day told a woman after fixing her AC by replacing a fuse, and she balked at the price.  “Why so much,” she asked.  “Because I knew the right fuse.”  And the winner is....

“Great leaders inspire a sense of mission. Good people with a proper sense of mission will find a way to get the job done.”  Leo Beebe

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

 

had this been a test...

The story goes of 5 seniors in college who are about to graduate.  All but one final is over, and they decide to celebrate Friday night before cramming for the last final on Monday.  But Friday night carries over into Saturday, and on Sunday they are partied out, too hung over to take the test.  In a panic, they no show the final, then go to see the professor afterwards.  They concoct a story of how they were doing some good deed for a parent, and they had a flat tire coming back.  Unable to get the tire fixed, the spare was bad also, they only arrived back too late for the final.  “Could the professor give them one more chance?”  Things were out of their control, already out of control.

The professor was impressed with the story and granted them a special session the next day.  So off they went to cram, and at the appointed time they arrived.  The professor had each one put into a separate class room alone, separated from each other.  They were each given a book, with the test questions inside.  Then told to open them and begin in 5 minutes.  To their surprise, only one question was in the book, “which tire went flat?”  The final was more of a test than they were prepared for...

School has changed since I attended.  Maybe for some it was John Belushi’s statement on “Animal House,” “7 years of college down the drain.”  But we have come a long way from classrooms, finals, and taking notes.  The 7 year students still exist, but today with so many on line courses, you can graduate in less the an 4, or even 2.  An ad on TV yesterday advised “earn your MBA in less than 6 months,”  but did they learn anything?  Could they?  Even subtracting time for extracurricular events, you may get a degree, but have you gotten and education?  What have you learned if anything?  So when posing a question to a class I teach, I asked “why do you study for a test?”  The answer at first escaped them, but you study for a test to pass.  And soon forget what you have studied, or learned, and on to the next class.  Passing is the most important, if you happen to learn anything along the way it is an extra bonus.  Just don’t get a flat tire, or get caught in a story about one, if it hasn’t occurred.

It is never told what happened to these men, they failed at more than the test.  And threw away a college career based on one lie told.  Many live a Christian life like that, living from one test to another.  Not the trials or tests God sends our ways, but weekly tests.  “What did you get out of the sermon today?  The study?”  “Are you staying on schedule reading through the Bible in a year?”  “Have you read the book for next week’s Bible study?”  It seems we are in education overload, but are we learning anything?  Has knowing Jesus been the best 7 years of our life, or has it been endless study, without relief?  What and when have you applied what you were studying? 

Today in many denominations you need a degree, preferably a Master’s, and a D.D. will get you hired, each one at a higher l pay level.  Pity the poor apostle who would apply for a position today, ask Peter “where did you graduate from?”  “Matthew, where did you get your degree?”  “James and John, where did you brothers go to school?”  Only to find they lack in education, only Judas was educated, in banking, so much for qualifying for ministry.  Has all your studying brought you closer to God?  Or is it all head knowledge, with an aching heart still searching?

We are told to study to find ourselves approved.  Sounds important, but to who?  A church or denomination that requires education, or from God who wants you to be equipped?  Are you guided by who you know or what you know?  Jesus told us the spirit will give us words when we need them, do we back up what the spirit tells us by going to the word?  Or do we study, hoping our memories don’t fail us?  do we rely on God or ourselves?  The 7 sons of Skeva relied on what they had heard, and their encounter with a demon possessed man ended in tragedy.  Yet when Peter and John encountered a man who was lame, they declared “silver and gold have I none, but in the name of Jesus of Nazareth rise up and walk!”  And he did, leaping a praising God!  All from two men with no degrees other than direction from the spirit.  A test or trial from God is much different than a trial or test from man.  Divine tests bring glory to God, does your education?  Do you have Master’s degree, or to what extent do you know the Master?  Studying to find yourself approved will not save you, only knowing Jesus does.  Take a look back at where you are in Christ, is something missing?  Is the personal relationship, the Christian experience only an education?  Is your testimony based on years of study, or years of ministry?  Do you still ask “what would Jesus do?” or do you know him well enough you don’t have to ask?  If this had been a test to enter heaven, would you have passed?

God is not fooled, and the professor proves men aren’t always fooled either.  Our walk goes much deeper than the books, the studies, the tests we have taken.  If the world gives you the first degree, will your degree help you make it?  Your final exam, your daily exam may be as simple as showing love to someone hurting.  Giving food or drink to someone hungry.  Listening to someone down and out.  Helping them fill out forms.  Taking a widow to church.  Watching a child so a single mom can get a break.  To what degree do you represent the things of Christ, or does a degree provide a shallow substitute?  If your life is based on grades, will an 89 matter if it takes a 90 to get into heaven?  In the example, if only the men hadn’t sinned, they would not have needed to lie.  Continuing sin.  They thought the professor was showing them mercy, in the end he had set a trap.  And they were the bait.  Only Jesus forgives, only Jesus saves.  If only you can remember the simple song of Sunday School, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so..”  you can pass.  You will be found approved in a simple study, “who is Jesus?”  A final exam we will all take someday.

So are we studying to be approved by man, the church, or God?  Your answer may confuse you, and others, but not God.  The final exam for one woman caught in sin was “go and sin no more.”  No quoting of scripture, no final exam of dissertations, or of classroom studies.  She earned her degree in salvation, when confronted by Jesus.  A final exam she would take into eternity.  Maybe a 6 month Master’s degree is too long based upon salvation being an instantaneous, one time event.  But we still need to work out our salvation, exercise our life in Christ daily.  Like I was told in rehab, it takes 3 days to make up for each day lost.  And they were right.  I was healing, just not healed yet.  Are you saved, or working on salvation? 

The only thing you will take into eternity is your relationship with Jesus Christ.  No valuable, no education, no degrees earned.  But you will be asked “what did you do with the gifts I give you?  How did you use them for God?”  If the words “well done my good and faithful servant” appeal to you,  you have studied to find yourself approved.  All tests are over, you have your degree in salvation.  With no diploma to hang on a wall, as it won’t matter, so will everyone else there.  A heavenly alma mater just waiting for you to graduate.  “Class of ....”  Jesus Christ will be all the Pomp and Circumstance you ever need.  Application of your education, we are all waiting to see what you learned at church today.  Oh, and an open book quiz is OK.  An open heart to Christ is better.  I wonder, which tire did they say was flat?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

after church

Honestly, how many of us look forward to going to church, that time when believers get together to worship, fellowship, learn, and get closer to God?  Honestly, I said.  Sadly I have seen too many changes in the church in my 40 years, but I know I have changed too.  As a new believer in Albuquerque I thought everyone was a Christian, my whole world outside of work revolved around church.  Sunday morning was up early for first service at Grace Church, and Tuesday night was Bible study, where 40-50 of us got together for teaching and fellowship.  Jesus was new and exciting in my life and many others too, but soon the fellowship became too important.  And as I grew in the Lord, my group of close friends got smaller, we all believed the same, but just a bit different than the group.  We had other common interests, age and marital status, student or working, and what church we went to.  We were part of the whole church, but also part of a smaller fellowship group.  Life was good, friendship wasn’t measured, and Jesus Christ was the center of our lives.  But after exciting and wonderful times Sunday and Tuesday night, it was back into the world, and many were not prepared for it.  They had lived a new life in Christ so separated from the world, they had a problem functioning in it.  Two worlds were coming together in our lives, and may could not handle both.  One had to give, and too many went back into the world, or of worldly things.  Some held on, some had a brief trip and returned, yet some never came back.  The influence of the world too much, laying blame with others, the church, and never finding that it laid with their decisions.  Like the seeds thrown among the rocks, they grew but soon the weeds overtook them.  And they were worse off than when they started.  Wounded and hurt, they made a decision to turn from God, leaving church, friends, fellowship, and a life in Christ behind. 

And we all suffer through this to certain extents.  Some are consistent in their walk, and can rise above the chaos of the world in Jesus.  Their walk is strong, and when threatened know where to turn.  They live in the world, but are not of it.  Temptation abounds to them, but they choose Jesus over the temptation.  They are the ones who become like Job, ones who God can brag about in heaven, because their hearts truly belong to him.  Others are like Jonah, trusting God until he asks them to do something, something they don’t want to do.  And they turn from him, but the spirit pursues, never leaving them.  They repent, and get closer to the Lord, but the church sees only the rebellion, not the return.  They miss the grace of God in action among their midst, hoping it never happens to them.  they surely would handle it better.  And then the Peter type, those who fail and deny Christ, but whose roots go deep in the spirit, and although they fail, repeatedly, never look back, knowing they are forgiven, and moving on.  Led by the spirit, they are aware that only in Christ can they do the things he asks, without him they are prey for the evil one.  They know when the two worlds collide, whose side they will be on.  Tested, tried, and found worthy, they stick with Christ until death, and heaven awaits. 

Church can be a great thing, the gathering.  But what happens after church?  When we go to work, to school, to our daily routine?  Is their Jesus the same outside of church as he is inside?  To many Jesus is an emotional relationship, and they carry on it church, but get quiet outside.  A double minded witness, and they are not secure in either.  Based on emotions, our emotions will let us down, happy yet without joy.  For joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God, in church and out.  They forget that although Jesus taught in the temple, he ministered on the street.  How many miracles were performed when they couldn’t get in, and Jesus went to them?  Are we missing the importance of Jesus in our lives after church?  Or do you live knowing you are the church, part of a body of believers, sent out by God to represent him?  Does your life after church reflect what you learned in church?

Now I have nothing against Bible studies, church, or fellowship.  But as God put it to me “if the seat of your pants is wearing out faster than the soles of your shoes you have a problem.”  We have education, but where is the application?  How we act is really how we believe, that should bother some, does it you?  It isn’t shouting Jesus in a crowd, or inviting someone to church, that is not evangelism.  It is showing love and compassion to all we meet, no matter how uncomfortable they make us feel.  It is letting your light shine without the high beams blinding the ones you want to reach.  It is the right amount of salt, giving life flavor.  It is spirit driven, and personal.  It lives 24/7 in church and outside.  It knows no social boundaries, operates without budget or meetings, and where God guides he provides.  A recent bulletin upset me, a church trying to reach out to the poor.  But taking the next time to have a meeting about it instead of going out and ministering.  You mean we can’t meet another time?  I guess the people that need ministry can wait one more week in their old clothes, and without food.  Any bets the meeting is catered?

So maybe the old saying “that people will care about what you know after you show how much you care” is relevant.  Are you sitting eating a super sized meal why some homeless guy is looking in?  Have you ever given the coat off your back to someone cold?  Have you ever stopped and listened rather than preaching at someone?  Jesus has, and still does through us, the church.  Does the message from church reveal itself after church?  Maybe that is what made the apostles true rebels, they lived it.  After Pentecost and the forming of the church, lives changed.  Times got worse, but the church grew.  As it always has when persecuted.  Praying for growth?  Get ready for persecution.  Or is it just words echoed among yourselves?

If Jesus asks, consider it done.  Now trust and obey, and see the Bible come alive, for you and others to see.  Be part of a mighty kingdom changing lives via the spirit.  The people I see excited about the Lord are the ones living it outside the church.  One hour of training can effect the lives of many others.  After church is where the real action is....wherever two or three are gathered Jesus is among them.  And the spirit is alive in us, so we are never alone.  Two is better than one when Jesus is the only one.  Now, what are your plans for after church?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the first rule is obey all rules-the wit and wisdom of Barney Fife

One of the most unforgivable sins in jr. high was walking on the gym floor in your street shoes.  They left black marks that the janitor would have a hard time removing.  More than once a juvenile perpetrator was apprehended and given a slip to take to the principal’s office, leaving a black mark on their record, no pun intended.  But in a strange turn of events, if a teacher, or worse a parent walked across the same floor in street shoes, nothing happened.  No warning, no chastisement no invite to a higher authority was involved.  An interesting double standard, that when the question was asked was courteously glossed over and on to the next question.  Hopefully the civic minded people at Rebook and Nike have changed all that due to the popularity of their shoes...

As spring is here, and Memorial Day around the corner, the official first day of summer, car shows are springing up everywhere, again no pun intended.  And a popular venue over the past few years is using golf courses, the very green areas where no golf carts are allowed unless under supervision, but on these special days you may drive your classic or collectible on them.  I must admit there is something special seeing the cars on the grass, somehow speaks of summer days, and the fresh green grass adds something to the display, but just try that on any other day of the year.  Do not pass go, go directly to jail.  Where Barney Fife will let you know that the first rule there is obey all rules.  The second is no writing on the walls, it is hard to get the ink off.  And as a song once told us “signs, signs, everywhere a sign, do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the signs?” So it seems there are rules within rules, special exceptions for exceptional people, and we learn that not only can hard wood floors be cleaned off and buffed, but grass has a surprising resiliancy when driven on by a collector car.  Or motorcycle.  It grows back, some faster than others, ready for the next event.  Golf courses over the years have somehow survived the onslaught of golf carts not only driven on cart paths, maybe the delicate balance of man and machine is not as delicate as we think.

But signs are everywhere, each with a law or rule to guide us.  Or confuse us, or make us miserable.  Or worse yet a scofflaw, or a sinner.  With each new law we increase the opportunities to break one, and be a law breaker.  And some are evident, some unknown, and many impossible to remember.  A lady I once knew with OSHA told me “it is impossible for me to know each law, but I can guarantee I can walk into any business and find one broken.”  Giving credence to the 8 most dangerous words in the English language, “I’m from the government and here to help.”  Or as Pogo once told us, in cartoon form so we could get, “we have met the enemy and it is us.”  So look out when on the golf course, as some drive balls, while others drive carts.  And the only ones leaving black marks on gym floors are law enforcement, can you hear me Deputy Fife?

“Nip it, nip it in the bud!”  And so many problems can be avoided if we obey the rules, just hoping the opposition is as courteous and abiding.  Today and for all of history it has been the first reaction of man to get revenge, to settle the score.  To get even, or eliminate your enemies.  When the Godfather, Michael Corleone was accused of wanting to kill everyone, he admitted “only my enemies.”  Sadly we as individuals and as the church do the same.  We want to help usher in the rapture by wiping out our enemies, but forget we once stood opposed to God ourselves.  And that Jesus loved us while we were yet sinners.  And if the rapture had come 5 years, 10 years, 50 years ago, we would be bound for hell.  Fortunately God is a loving and forgiving God, also patient.  Just don’t get caught in street shoes after service in the gym.  As all lessons of love are tossed aside, and you are a perpetrator.  And labeled for life within a congregation.  Who knew enough not to walk on said floor, who hide their sins better.  But one mystery of he law, overlooked by those caught up in grace, is the law points out our sin, and our need for a savior.  It also helps us from doing things that can be dangerous to us and our walk with the Lord.  And the best examples are found within the churches today. 

When Peter and John were released from jail, they went back to report what had happened to the church.  And broke out in prayer, “oh sovereign God,” recognizing who he is.  They didn’t blame him for their so called bad luck, or organize a militia to respond in revenge.  They turned to God, and grew closer to him in the situation.  They realized he was in control of everything, and turned to him.  They did what Christians are supposed to do under pressure, go to the word and seek the spirit to guide them.  Just like we do today?  Just like we are taught to do in church, right?  A few years back during a time of prayer, I walked up on stage as the spirit told me and prayed with a man.  Later I was apprehended, and questioned, as was the man I prayed with.  We had done just as we said, prayed, just like the others on stage, just I wasn’t allowed.  They kept pressuring me to repent, until I asked them, “should I obey your rules or be guided by the holy spirit?  Is it possible you are in sin as you accuse me now?” Which confused them, you don’t question church authority, and I had.  And so I offered to pray with him, something he had neglected to do, and left him thinking about what had taken place.  I am sure the topic came up in the next meeting, and steps taken to prevent me from going up on stage to pray.  And they say they trust God?  I had faced opposition, I just never thought it would come from within the church.

When people oppose the will of God, or try to thwart the spirit in any way, God has a miraculous way of showing his love and teaching us all.  It is called grace, and I could have gotten mad, but didn’t.  I turned and prayed for that man, who was caught up in church laws.  At least a good thing was I didn’t write on the walls, as we know they can be hard to clean.  We had both acted in ignorance, me not knowing it was forbidden by only the chosen few to go on stage, and by this pastor who was going to deny the holy spirit to operate.  He had never been confronted like that, and the truth was new to him.  As individuals, we need to follow the spirit and see the love of Christ in operation.  The man I prayed for was new in town, had asked to play with the worship team that night, and knew few people.  By my following the urging of the spirit we became friends, and he was shown love.  He was welcomed, despite the rules.  The history of he cross brings people together, and doesn’t separate man from salvation.  It brings the two together, in Christ.  So how do you know when you are in the spirit?  I can tell when I am not.....

So make your first and only rule love.  Love of Christ, then love of self, so you can love others, for no man hated himself and loved God.  Or man made in his image.  Can we just trust God in these situations, to seek him first and watch as all things are added unto us?  By him! As we watch as all things work together, and as he takes a bad situation and turns it to good?  Billy Jack once said “when the police break the law there is no law.”  Attention church, us, “if we don’t show the love of Jesus are we breaking the law?  Is there no law left?”  Thankfully we have grace, show some today.  Follow what the spirit shows you to do.  Peter and John used the things of God, and went against public opinion.  They sought the Lord rather than revenge via a group, the church.  The principal of revenge is powerful, aren’t you glad God operates not by power, not by might, but by his spirit?  Or didn’t you know that? 

Can you just imagine if we did?  Now that would be a witness of the Lord in real life.  Just don’t show it while walking on the gym floor.  Sin leaves a black mark, only in Jesus will it be removed.  Don’t let “I’m from the church and I’m here to help” strike terror in the hearts of man.  Next time someone asks “what would Jesus do?” is your answer “you have to ask?”  Well, do you?

Now about Mr. Schwump....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

 

one ride on the dyno should convince you

I was a wild eyed motorcycle riding new believer when I left Jersey for New Mexico at age 21.  And forced with answering a bunch of questions, most I didn’t know the answer to.  “Do they speak Spanish there?  Do the speak English?”  “Will your money be good there?  Do you need a passport?  Are you moving out of the United States?”  And my favorite, “why would you want to leave New Jersey?”  All I knew was I was moving west, and couldn’t wait to go.  And God rewarded me with a great job selling motorcycles at Motorsport, where David was one of the owners.  Before computers, before ECM’s and ECU’s, there was David.  He was an interesting man, and the go to guy for anyone who had a problem with his motorcycle.  With the altitudes varying from 3200’ to over 12,000’, he had come up with specs for each bike at each altitude.  Where a computer makes the adjustments today, we had David.  He had built a dyno, no one outside of racing had heard of one, and had come up with all the jetting and correct plug heat ranges for each altitude.  When we sold a bike, we could tune it before delivery to where it was going, for maximum  performance.  No one else could or did.  He could also read spark plugs, and was always in demand in everyone’s pit.  He even was a field rep for Champion, rest assured if David said it, it was true.  And a whole world dealing with altitude, low humidity, desert and mountains became my new home.

So when we moved to Durango, altitude 6512’, from Albuquerque, altitude 5500’, I was ready.  And as an assistant service manager at the Ford store, we pretuned each car changing jets, carb settings, and plugs.  A few minutes made a big difference, and the mechanics, they weren’t techs yet, made lots of money on doing PDI adjustments.  And also doing the same adjustments on tourist’ cars who had trouble making it over the passes.  Easy money, good money, and you could immediately tell the difference.  A foreign concept back then, all handled by computer today, the computer makes cars and bikes self tuning.  Back then it took the likes of David and others, who took the time to figure things out, and then apply it.  His hard work and efforts made him and the bikes we sold unique, sadly he is gone and the computer has taken over.  The main difference being you could bench race with David, not a computer.  And along with his knowledge and stories we lost more than we ever expected.

Many great minds argue over which came first, the chicken or the egg?  I have heard viable arguments on each side, but in the end truth wins out.  It always will.  When in doubt, go to someone who knows, in this case God.  Go to Genesis, the in the beginning book, and see quite clearly God created the animals.  The chicken came first, created by God.  Then the eggs....you may argue with scripture, but you will only join the list of those who tried and were wrong.  Wouldn’t it be easier to follow God, and be smart?  Or argue and be wrong?  We had David and his research and findings available, he shared them freely, but do we follow the word of God so easily?  Maybe the questions I was asked when leaving the Garden State were easy compared to the ones we ask God.  And sometimes as foolish. Ifwe have trouble getting past Genesis and believing in a creator, it makes the rest more difficult.  From the beginning it takes faith to please God, all the way to the end. 

The funny thing about the dyno is the numbers don’t lie.  They are the proof of what is going on at the time.  We weren’t there in the beginning, only God was, so it is his story to tell.  And he shares it openly with all who will listen, and many who won’t.  When we sinned and were separated from him, he sent Jesus to be the way back.  Simple, free, and easy-believe and repent, yet religion makes it complicated.  Yet the same God who created the chicken first, sent his son to die, because he loved us first.  No one set out to find God one day, the spirit was calling. Who was there at the beginning, and who after hovering over the earth, gave it form.  Gave it life.  And didn’t stop there, or with the chicken.  He continues today to give life and eternal life to those that believe.  When a car has a problem we can hook it up to a scanner and see the facts and make adjustments.  Back then we had David.  But before him and still we have God.  Who can fine tune your life, maintain it in any situation, and show love.  We have come a long way from carbs to fuel injection.  The old guys who would struggle with a carb all day getting it dialed in, never trusted fuel injection.  Are we much different when it comes to things of the spirit?

Today will be an in the beginning day for many, who find Jesus for the first time.  When all else failed, he didn’t.  He knows where you live, how many cylinders you are running on, and can fine tune your  life.  if you let him.  It takes trust, and yet despite the evidence being there, we struggle defying him.  If only we had the faith of those who trusted David’s findings, how much better our lives would be. And we would have the answers we need, when we need them.

And to those who wonder about New Mexico, we did speak English, and Spanish, and some even Navajo.  The dollar was used there and bought much more than it ever did in Jersey, this is New Mexico, of eh United States of America.  The new makes all the difference.  No passports needed.  And if you wonder why I ever left New Jersey, maybe the old Harley answer of “if you ask you would never understand” is the best answer.  Let the New in your relationship with God make all the difference in your life.  We were created in God’s image, and he created all the animals for our pleasure,  Even having them parade before Adam to be named.  He called a chicken a chicken, he dealt with the things in front of him.  The truth.  The chicken came first, but before it and other creation, there was God.  And still is God, and always will be God.  Don’t be chicken....now you know the truth.  As for eggs, I’ll have mine sunny side up, bacon crisp, with home fries.  You see, the eggs came later, as did the bacon.  All from creatures created by God.  Just for you.

love with compassion,

Mike

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