pre-owned certification, would you pass the test?

Back in the Roger Smith days of General Motors, he of “Call me Roger” fame, when the press asked what he had to compete with foreign imports at a certain price level, he answered “a used Buick.”  It seems for the money GM couldn’t compete, and Roger’s answer told us more than we needed to know, what car buffs thought, and what we already knew, that GM was in trouble.  It had started its downhill slide, read avalanche back in the late seventies, and by the nineties the cars reflected it.  Also giving a new twist on their age old motto “Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?”  But what Roger had also said, maybe not knowingly, he had to have some brains to run the largest car manufacturer in the world was, that used cars are a great bargain.  And soon became known as pre-owned in our politically correct jargon infused world.  If you cannot sell them new, sell them used, and roll them units.  And from Mercedes Benz to Toyota to Kia, today all manufacturers, or rather their dealers sell used cars, excuse me pre-owned cars that have been certified, and come with a better warranty than a new car. 

When with Mercedes Benz the techs were put on a revolving schedule so they could certify cars, it was easy money and they would fight for the position.  Essentially the cars were refurbished to like new condition, then resold with an extended factory warranty for 100,000 miles.  And priced way below the original retail price, we all know once you drive off the lot with a new car it starts to depreciate, here was a chance to get a good deal, on a like new car, and with a factory warranty.  And that is exactly how Theresa got her new Mustang, excuse me pre-owned Mustang for her 60th birthday.

With GM announcing last week their average car sold new for $43,988 most of us are in sticker shock.  But we can ease the shock of our monthly payment by buying pre-owned, which we did.  When new a Mustang convertible like hers was over $35,000, way beyond our ability to pay, but not desire.  The car we bought, certified was almost 40% less, we saved on tags, and on tax.  It is factory new except for the miles, and has new tires, brakes, been thoroughly serviced, and detailed....it is new!  And with a 100,000 powertrain warranty, and an additional 12 month, 12,000 mile bumper to bumper, we can drive secure in the fact the factory is there when we need, if we need it.  Comparable used Mustangs, non-certified were $2000 less, and without the warranty or certification, if it breaks, who you gonna call?  The same store that would fix it under warranty....maybe Roger was right after all. And no, we never considered a Buick.

One thing among many I learned from our auction buyers was that the cars at auction were passed over if they thought they couldn’t be certified, or made money on.  The lesser cars, the not primo cars went to used car lots, and sold for less.  Same car maybe, but one was good enough to sell for more, to be reconditioned and sold with a warranty, another wasn’t.  Now I am not saying buy only certified, or don’t buy at a used car lot, but for my money, piece of mind, and follow up, pre-owned certified is the way to go.  And I can use the money saved on motorcycles and trips.  And now in our new Mustang convertible, race red of course, aren’t all cool convertibles red?  Would you buy a Ferrari in any other color?  So why not a Mustang?

After my open heart surgery, they were amazed I was still alive, I should be dead, but could offer no warranty.  I was released as is, no warranty expressed or implied.  But I had, and still have a guarantee from God that when I die on earth, I will be instantly in heaven.  I may be the worst used body, an amazingly bad sinner, but since I came to Jesus, I am saved, and am heaven bound when I leave earth.  Which we all will do some day.  Some of us were not good enough for church certification, some carry about a membership card to show their allegiance.  The day I accepted Jesus I bypassed all that religion had to offer, and got a factory warranty, a new make over from the inside out by the creator himself.  I was born again, with the word written on my heart, so it is with me always.  No number to call, no card to present, I have the spirit with me always, good or bad times.  And I can call him Jesus, for he knows my name, and I know his.  He is Lord, he is God incarnate, he is the prince of peace, and wonderful counselor, the great healer and physician.  I just call him Jesus, because he wants it that way, he wants it to be that personal.  And he chose me from the pit, and daily for over 40 years now is working miracles in me and through me. His love and grace never go out of style, and he accepts me as I am.  He includes me in decisions, but still gives me the insight to make the right decision, and forgives me, doesn’t give up on me when I don’t.  If you can find a better guarantee, take it, but you will never get the deal you will other than from Jesus.  Others may offer goods, position, peace of mind, and wealth, only Jesus saves.  By no other name can we be saved.  And he calls me friend....

Jesus took me on trade when I had nothing to offer him but brokenness and strife, and like the song, he made something beautiful out of my life.  You may be the used car in the back row no one wants, Jesus wants you.  You may have  high miles, been rode hard and put away wet.  You qualify under his terms of forgiveness.  You may have it all, have lived a good life, maybe even be a pew filler once a week, but don’t know God, you qualify.  No one will ever outbid Jesus for your soul, and today many things try.  And will. Today you can get the deal of your life for all eternity, to be saved, to go to heaven when you die.  But the choice is up to you, perfect love demands a choice, it doesn’t force itself upon you.  And he knows what it takes to put you into heaven today....such a deal he has for you.  What say you?

Cars, motorcycles, houses, and other things will wear out, even go out of style.  Salvation doesn’t, and with no end.  A covenant with no end date, instead of a contract with a specified date.  Every day is a new day on the calendar of forever, at 100,000.1 the Mustang warranty ends.  Time to buy another....make one purchase today of Christ, and be set forever.  And enjoy the cars and bikes of life, a red convertible may change your attitude, only Jesus will change your life. Top down, wind in your face.....now about your next motorcycle.....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25bker.blogspot.com

George's other speed

My mother used to tell me slow and steady wins the race.  Which may perfectly describe one of my techs at Land Rover, George.  George was cool, rode a BMW everyday, always showed up for work, and was very thorough and methodical.  What he wasn’t was fast, as other techs would book 15-20 hours of time per day, George was in the 6-8 range, consistently.  Never to be confused with being aggressive, he always got his work done on time, George time.  And when questioned one day by an impatient customer, “can’t you work any faster?” politely replied “if you don’t like this speed, you really won’t like my other one.” Never have fewer words said so much about the man...

While doing time at the DMV yesterday, I had made an appointment and was in and out within 30 minutes.  The non-appointment line was backed out the door, and over 200 feet long when I arrived, longer when I left.  Why would you wait in line, when you can make an appointment and be done?  But as I looked at this huddled mass of Obamaphone users, it occurred to me they had nothing else to do.  Women with 4-5 kids hanging on them and crying, groups of men who should be at work, and it occurred to me this was their day.  And when surveying the DMV window count vs. clerk’s filling them, 29 windows and as many as 8 open, I realized I had found George’s other speed, it was the DMV!  And just like the gelded Prius owner going 45 in the fast lane, they too had nothing else to do or anywhere to be.  They were George’s other speed, and it doesn’t end there.  Ever need to visit the ER?  Waiting times are in the hours range, yet some hospitals are advertising waiting times on billboards.  Which makes me wonder how many emergencies, the E in ER are really emergencies?  Or are they the same ones waiting in line at the DMV, or waiting for a free Obamaphone, or other free handout?  If you are going nowhere, does it matter how long it takes to get there?  And I could see George in the non-appointment line, thinking I took off work all day, so if it takes all day that is all right.  And from a man who never would own or drive a Prius.  Every man has his limits.

We all know the story of how Jesus fed the 5000 with loaves and fishes.  But do we?  Have we ever considered the dynamics of what it was like that day?  The 5000 was men, women weren’t counted, as were children neglected, so maybe the crowd was closer to 15,000 or more.  A lot of mouths to feed, and a lot of food to distribute.  At 10 people per minute, it would take 150 hours, or over 6 days, no time is given in scripture.  But with 12 disciples, it could be reduced to less than 12 hours, not including clean up.  Which must have looked like Woodstock after the concert.  But think of this, the first fed were home and in bed asleep while the last ones were being fed.  Some had lunch, some dinner, some any early breakfast, but all got attended to, just like the DMV.  Some had lunch there, then had dinner at home before getting to bed.  Some may  have even had time to work the swing shift at the cannery.  Ever wonder how many man hours it took McDonald’s to feed its first billion?  Years of nothing but eating!

Now no beverages are mentioned, but imagine one bottle per person today, truckloads of bottled water, over 625 cases.  And the recycling mess afterwards.  Yet Bible teachers and students who know more than me brag about the 12 baskets picked up afterwards.  Like that was a lot.   A miracle.  My thought is “only 12?”  This must have been one hungry group, to leave only 12 baskets from feeding 15,000 people.  The trash alone would have filled more.  And with no running water, or toilets, maybe the miracle was even more miraculous.  But maybe there is a story within the story, one of hunger.  Of food and for the word.

Think of the fellowship after Jesus taught, they didn’t want to leave.  Yes town was miles away, but they stayed, wanting to be fed more from him.  So waiting to eat was no big deal, as they prayed, ministered, and loved on each other.  A church service unlike any other, imagine having a t-shirt saying you were there?  Maybe we need to ask ourselves, do we hunger after Jesus as much as we hunger after food?  Maybe these folks did, maybe they didn’t want to leave his presence, and the food was only because it was needed, not desired.  How long would you sit in church?  You get hungry again after eating, and need three meals per day.  And you expect your spiritual appetite to be full after an hour on Sunday?  Is your stomach bigger than your heart?  Or do you have a hunger and thirst for God that only he can fill?  Are you on a fast food diet of religion or are you in the spirit? Or are you just waiting like those in line because you have nothing better to do with your day, because life has no meaning?  Could you be that Prius in the fast lane and not know it?  Are you George’s other speed? 

Jesus told the woman at the well she would thirst again, he offered her a drink of the spirit so that she would never thirst for religion again.  The holy spirit is often referred to as living water in scripture, from being baptized in it to walking in it, Jesus walked on it, in the spirit.  Today you will have a hunger and thirst that physically must be fed.  Over and over again.  Do you desire the things of God as much?  It is possible those Jesus fed spiritually didn’t want to leave, the hunger was great, and fulfilling.  And they wanted more, to be filled to overflowing.  Just like he promised.  The food was just a physical reminder of spiritual miracles he performed that day.  Something to consider in our daily walk, or next trip to the DMV.  Which leaves one question unanswered, leave it up to your own imagination.  15,000 fed and no porta-potties in sight.  Good thing that wasn’t in California, Jesus never would have gotten the license to meet.  And like it says in John, no pun intended, no library could hold all the stories of him.  There are miracles within miracles everyday.  Only in the spirit will you see the smallest ones, a story to consider about George’s other speed.  For man does not live by bread alone, but from all the things that proceed from the mouth of God.  And no appointment needed, and no lines either.  And at the DMV that would truly be a miracle!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

notes on riding a new motorcycle

 One of the greatest thrills is riding out of the dealership on the new motorcycle of your dreams.  All the waiting, saving, negotiating, talking your wife into making room for another bike in the garage, and riding past your friends’ houses after you get it will suddenly be well worth it.  All the fine points you read about won’t be heard when the salesman delivers the bike to you, all you want to do is ride.  And ride you will, there is that favorite road you just can’t wait to get to, that first long ride, and first weekend overnighter just awaiting your presence.  But new usually means new, and some time spent getting used to your new ride, and it getting used to you.  After dozens of new bikes, and all the press bikes I ride each year, some of the thrill is gone, but each first ride on each new bike presents some introductions.  How fast will it accelerate, will it stop, and how will it handle?  Your old bike will be the standard your new one is measured by, and seat and handlebar positions that sit well in the showroom may be uncomfortable at 80.  Is the windshield too high, do the pegs vibrate, the mirrors, and how many miles will I get per tank?  How far can I go on reserve?  If the miles to empty light says zero, is that really zero?  Or do I have a few miles left....And for the first 30 days it will be all new, until all your friends have seen it, and the first payment is due.  But for 30 days, the wedding continues....

From my first new bike, bought from paper routes and cutting yards, it was the hit of my senior year.  A 1972 CB350 Honda, bought from Ralph’s Honda, an unauthorized Honda dealer in South Orange, NJ.  I knew nothing about breaking it in, an immediately rode at 80 mph...traded after 5 months and 6000 miles for my first of 5 BMW’s, another 1972, this a R60/5.  I would own 5 BMW’s in my time, and never again, my choice.  I remember riding my new 1977 GS750 Suzuki over to see Debbi the afternoon I bought it, and spinning out on some wet pavement, doing a 360, then a 180, coming face to face with an Albuquerque PD car, who laughed at my rookie mistake.  My 1981 KZ750 bought from my friend Tom in Salida, brought home and sat all winter, over 500 inches of snow will cut down your riding time.  And digging a path the first warm day of spring. 

I flipped a coin with Gary at Handlebar Cycle for a deal and won, my 1983 Honda 650 Nighthawk the prize.  Traded for a leftover 1985 FJ1100, which I immediately rode form New Mexico to Pennsylvania the first week.  6000 miles the first ten days of ownership....about right.  A bike I kept the longest, trading for a 1996 Triumph Trident, the memory of it being erased after only 1.5 miles, you remember things like that.  Which started a string of Triumphs, every two years for awhile, when the warranty ended.  I tried one day to remember all the bikes I have ever owned, another list of all I ever rode is much longer, maybe the exclusions from the list say more about me than those on it.  No Harleys, Moto Guzzis, Ducatis, or Indians, but it is still early and I have lots of miles to go, and a short time to get there.  With our latest, a 2015 Triumph Tiger XRX our new touring bike, 8600 miles including 7300 in 26 days.  Not bad for a 6 month old bike, and not having ridden anything of my own for over 4 months this year.  Like Mickey chides me why should I buy another when he loans them to me for free.  So the list will go on, we are down to four, with new Bonnevilles to ride soon.  So maybe the thrill of riding a new bike out of the dealer isn’t new to me, over 15 times this year, but the excitement is still there.  But somehow that 18 year old in high school on his first Honda still lives within me, and always will. 

Remember the thrill of first being saved?  And how the Bible started to come alive, you wanted to pray, and you made new friends?  For some that was the best day, for me and many others just the beginning. Relationships whether on two wheels or between people take time, and commitment.  Some have committed to a church, a pastor, or a denomination, but have yet to receive the fullness of Christ via his spirit.  They’re in and bound for heaven, and never change, you hear things like “well that’s John,”  and they never become the new creature in Christ salvation has made them.  Some may be engrossed in Bible studies, even ministry, but leave out Jesus.  They talk of God, but never mention his name.  They may even bounce from church to church looking for what is missing, but escaping the who of Jesus.  And miss out on the blessings God has to offer.  Finding fault with the other guys choice of brand of church, and missing fellowship with others.  And we are not immune from it ourselves.  And a lesson from Fr. Al taught me that, whose letter and prayers I cherished.  A devout Catholic, he was often in trouble for serving communion to non-Catholics, he was all about Jesus.  One telling me how he ministered to them, because many Catholics need Jesus, and have settled for the church.  Substitute any denomination you choose....

For like the Harley only, or BMW only, or Honda is the only ride guys they miss out.  Those of us who love God and have escaped that get beaten up over our choices, yet no denominational boundaries are mentioned in heaven.  It is all about Jesus, and all about riding, two minorities that need each others support.  If your riding never improved, who do you blame?  If you never get over milk fed to you via the church, what is your explanation for not growing?  Is the day of your salvation the best day, or is every day in Jesus the best?  When I first started riding it was in a group of a Harley, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, and a BMW.  Our common denominator was we rode.  Is your common denominator Jesus?  Would you be accepting of a different denominational visitor in your church?  Would they tolerate you?  How can you be one in the spirit as we are told to be if we cannot even fellowship together?

Each visit to a new church is like a new motorcycle, it should be exciting.  You get to hear a different perspective on the word as taught.  New songs, more prayers, more hugs, or even less religion.  But the same Jesus...if everyday is not fresh and new in Jesus, step out and ask him why.  You may not like his answer, it is us who need to change, not him.  It is us who still need to die to him, to pick up our crosses and follow.  He did his job, can we say the same?  All new relationships start our fresh, as do new bikes.  But it is the miles that take us places that allow us to become old friends, to know how the bike will perform.  Works with God too...ask him today for a refreshing of your relationship.  Same Jesus, new attitude.  Trust him like you never did before, allowing only four words from your lips in prayer, “thy will be done.” All other gods will be measured by who Jesus is in your life.  Trade in that old time religion for a new breath of the spirit.  Motorcycles will continue to come and go from my life, Jesus never has and never will.  If only we put the energy and time into him we do our rides imagine the difference it would make in our lives.  Today is the day of salvation, the first ride with Jesus.  You’ve got along way to go and a short time to get there....and a thrilling ride ahead.  By the way, that new Indian Scout rides nice...if only I had room in the garage.  So many bikes, aren’t you glad God made it easy with only one way, Jesus?

And like the words on the mirror state, “things in mirror are closer than you think.”   A seat for every person, it is up to you where it will take you.  A life in Christ, you don’t forget a thing like that.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

such a deal I have for you

Guys and girls who love cars and motorcycles are always on the lookout for the a great deal.  I know guys who carry $10k around with them all the time in case a deal comes along.  But in reality most of us have only memories of deals that could have been, and should have been, and would have been if only we had the folding green to back up our desire.  I have been in both situations, and it was fun to say no to deals when I had some cash, why is it the best deals, the ones I gotta have, if only for bragging rights alone come when I have no money?  But good deals are out there, and if you are patient you can find them, if not you pay.  The old real estate adage “you didn’t pay too much, you bought too soon,” may only apply to collector cars, but not your daily driver.  But some cars sitting on the lot are just crying out your name, and one such one did to me.  And like being in love, you never hear the words of advice spoken to you.

The Chevy Citation made great headlines for a few years, then faded away, more a statement about GM in the eighties based on the product.  In 1981 they came out with an X-11 sport model, HO motor with all of 140 hp, sport suspension, and wide tires and wheels.  Stickers to let the world know what you had.  Bucket seats and console, all the things a basic rental car have today but were the hot set up back then.  Listing at over $9000, they were way beyond my price range, so we drove a Ford Escort, which was a good little car.  But when on my Coca Cola selling route, I kept going out of my way past Morehart Chevrolet, a white X-11 kept calling me name, and I was hooked.  I had to go in, feeling safe because I had no money, which never worked when buying a motorcycle, there are after all certain priorities, I offered a straight across, no money changing hands deal, and they accepted it.  I was the proud owner of a sport car, with a cool sounding exhaust.  And it didn’t cost me anything....

But the sales manager told me when I was leaving, it had been in an accident, he didn’t know how bad, but the car had been repaired.  No way was I going to let a little thing like that queer the deal, and of I drove.  And it was a good car, we drove it on trips, you could even chirp the tires with it if you listened close enough.  But the trim pieces painted black began to peel, so I went to Chevy, and they agreed to repaint them, which made it look new again.  But one trip in parts revealed something to me about the car’s past, and my future.  A parts guy recognized the car, it was once his.  Did I want to see pictures of it?  Before the wreck?  Huh?  The car had been his wife’s car, and had been t-boned, and had serious body damage done to it.  The insurance company totaled it, the body shop repaired it, he bought the car from the insurance company, then sold it at auction.  It was sound, performed to spec, it just had many hidden scars.  Which were about to show.  I kept the pictures, we kept the car, and drove it for years, but somehow the love affair was over.....and one afternoon outside Early, Texas the divorce became final.

Dean and I had been out after his high school graduation hot rodding it, seeing how fast it would go with no Texas Rangers to check on us.  And it started making noises...but we, Christopher and I, he six at the time, so off we went to return to our home 700 miles away.  No smarter guys would have never left town, and so when the car died we had to hitch a ride from a goat farmer.  No words can describe the odor of years of goats, even hanging my head out the window did no good, and the car was towed to the Chevy store there.  Where the engine had spun a bearing, fixable, but outside of my price range, but they would take the car in trade, and we worked out a deal.  And we left the Chevy behind and drove home in a two year old Thunderbird...moving on up, and no it hadn’t been in any accidents.  I asked.....

And it was a great car, and later we would trade it, tastes change.  But the Citation X-11 still holds a dear place in our hearts. 

Like the Chevy, we carry a lot of scars and damage with us that no one sees.  And that we often lie to ourselves about.  From skin tags to irregular heart beats, to sore joints to sores, we put things off till later, until it is too late.  Maintenance is expensive, high deductibles, tests, and other procedures cost time and money we don’t have.  But like cars, if you think maintenance is expensive, wait until you see the repair bill.  And when it comes to our bodies, we cannot trade them in like we can a car or bike, we must deal with it.  Doctors can deal with the physical, but what about the spiritual?  Who deals with that, do we pour out our heart to a pastor on a regular basis?  Or do we turn to God?  But who do we turn to first, who knows us better?  Could the answer be me?

Paul tells us in Romans 12 to take a sober accounting of ourselves, to see where we are in Christ.  Not to commend ourselves, or make us be the standard, but where are we in Christ?  Who does our life say Jesus is?  Are we walking in the spirit, or in the shadows lurking about living a façade?  Remember Moses after seeing God wore a mask to protect the people from the glory shining from his face.  But when it faded kept the mask on, he didn’t want them to see it had faded, he went from concern of others to all about me. Something none of us ever encounter.  Right.  As Christians we know all the right things to say in church, the right words and attitudes to portray, but when alone who are we?  Character, the trait of who you are when no one else is watching, who are we?  That is what Paul is addressing here, and we need to make a spiritual checkup regularly if not daily.  We are not to think of ourselves as better than others, but use Jesus as the barometer.  Which puts us all in the same class as sinners, but we are saved.  Does that make God love me more?  I am a favorite now?  Think about the fact that while we were yet sinners Jesus died for us, he loves us all the same.  Of course our standards are different, his are everlasting. 

And we are to be sober when we do this, being honest, removing the mask we wear to cover up.  Why when asked in church do we all lie when asked how we are doing?  Can we all be perfect for just one moment despite the week we just had?  Can’t we have bad days too, or has false teaching taught us we can’t or we are in sin?  If so, I am in sin a lot, and others can confirm it long before I admit it.  So be sober, honest in your appraisal, if you hurt we can tell, and God knows for sure, are you the only one buying your own lie?  Maybe if we exercise the faith each of us has been given, look back and see how far Jesus had brought us we can look forward with more confidence, and not lie to ourselves.  He saved us when we could not save ourselves, so why quit depending on him now?  Wasn’t it when we admitted we were lost and wretched that the spirit began to flow in us? 

If you are afraid of the doctor you may be afraid of this self test too.  For doctors are trained to find problems, to address symptoms before they become a problem.  Do you trust your walk in Christ the same, or are you more interested in what the church thinks of me?  Proverbs tells us to not listen to a neighbors gossip, for it may be about us and we won’t like it.  Do we trust God more than the walls between our neighbors?  Do we lie to him and ourselves, do we trust the counsel of our friends more, who would never say anything to hurt our feelings? 

The parts guy who once owned the Chevy knew the truth.  I had ideas, suspicions, but only guesses.  The truth shown in the pictures didn’t set me free, nor did the blown bearing.  Until I traded the car, don’t trade your relationship with Jesus when a flaw in your life occurs.  He is the great physician, wonderful counselor, he is truth, the way, and is life, your life, you are dead without him.  And you don’t need a wad of bills to impress him, or for help.  Long before Obamacare, the world’s largest tax increase in history took effect, Jesus was changing lives.  Long before the wheel, Jesus was moving over the earth.  His spirit giving it shape and life.  Just like he will do for you.

Oil gets dirty, parts wear out.  So do our bodies, and relationships.  Check yours today before you are life flighted or dismantled for recycling.  Sold for parts.  Remember how you were before Jesus, thank him for how far he has brought you.  And have faith that the good work he has begun he will be faithful to complete it.  Don’t be like the clock on many of my old cars, it may be broken, but at least twice a day it’s correct.  Who inspires your life will tell us who you are.  Check yourself out before someone else does.  It may be hard, but a lot less painful.  Such a deal he has for you.  And it is more than stickers.  And you can keep your old doctor, but you won’t want to. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

standing in the showroom watching all the bikes ride by

For a young 22 year it was the hardest week of non-riding of his life, my life.  I had heard the call of the open road, and answered by leaving New Jersey at age 21 on my BMW R90S and settling in Albuquerque.  Where I went to work for Motorsport, selling BMW’s, along with Triumphs and Suzukis.  Now what my dream job of working in the motorcycle industry was different than reality, for instead of being out riding where I wanted to be, I was stuck in a showroom 5 1/2 days a week, with only Sunday and Wednesday afternoon off where Gerald and I would ride our trials bikes.  So many riders came by, telling of places they had been, roads they had travelled, and rides they were planning, and I was going crazy.  I missed the road, at my young age I had ridden more miles and places than most who came by, but that wasn’t enough.  I was hooked, I wanted more, but the reality of life was infringing, and one week in 1976, the 4th of July week when we would celebrate 200 years of the US of A, things were rough.  Albuquerque had managed to secure the race for the 4th, on the mile oval at the State Fairgrounds, and I worked right across the street from the main entrance.  It seemed every one of  thousands of fans who can to see the race rode, and stopped in.  I was within spitting distance of getting in, but still on the outside.  I would attend the race that day, but that hunger and desire to be on the road was driven or ridden to the sense of urgency, almost lustful, I needed to ride, and I needed to ride now.....but here I was, standing in the showroom watching all the bikes go by. 

The race was great, I got to see Kenny Roberts who under new AMA rules rode an inferior bike, Gary Scott another #1 plate would win the race, and a young Jay Springsteen, all 19 years old would win the championship that year.  But the race is what I remember most, and the lessons Kenny taught us that day.  So underpowered he was passed by 5-6 others down the straight, at speeds of over 120 mph, on dirt with no front brakes.  But in the corners, took a higher line than the others, made his own groove and would pass them all.  And for 25 laps we all cheered him on, even if we were rooting for another racer, it was a rush to see him ride.  He didn’t win that day, Gary Scott finished first, he was second, and Springer third, but to many us he won the race on strategy and guts alone.  A lesson of what a superior rider can do on an inferior bike.  More than brute power, another bike a TZ750 was so fast and wicked he claimed “they don’t pay me enough to ride that thing,” he won by riding smarter than the others, and using every skill he had to win.  He didn’t lose that day, he wasn’t beaten, if only a few more laps he might have pulled it off.  But the main event was only 25, and he finished second, but earned a place in my heart and the hearts of all who attended as the racer to beat.

We are told all of lives to work hard, that it never hurt anyone.  I know too many who don’t want to find out, and are lazy, beaten by the competition, which can be themselves.  Losers make excuses, winners get the trophy, and the girl.  But a lesson taught me long ago was to work smart, to use what you are given to the max, and while others worked hard, you worked smart.  Kenny rode smart that day, and his career showed it, do we work smart?  Do we use the gifts God has given us to be blessed and bless others?  How about a young teen named David, who when out matched by a 9 foot tall giant with six fingers on each hand, used what God had given him, he fought smart, and he won.  Throughout the Bible we see many who are outmanned, out numbered, and seemingly outwitted, but God provided the victory.  From Gideon, to Noah, to Jeremiah, to Paul, each had a battle to fight, and without the spirit to guide them stood a good chance of losing.  Where it could have meant their lives.  We forget that when God promises us victory, we will win, but we still need to show up and fight.  And we may get injured, it may seem hopeless, but we will win.  Even to the point of the cross, where Good Friday seemed like the darkest day for the disciples, only to see in his death, then his burial, and then his resurrection the victory was won.  And the gospel went forward. 

“Not by might, not by power, but by my spirit,” says the Lord of hosts, the Lord of armies.  No matter how tough you are, there is always someone tougher.  No matter how rich, someone always richer.  And no matter how smart, always someone smarter.  And no matter how fast, someone faster. It isn’t about size, but or the power it represents, it is all about Jesus.  A lesson we must learn if we are to grow in the spirit, and see all the blessings God has for us.  “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans asks, yet many try to outwit God, to take his place, to deny the deity of Jesus, to follow a cult and end up in hell.  The gospel is free, you come as you are, and he makes you into a person.  We used to tell people “Jesus doesn’t make people into freaks, he makes freaks into people.”  So when we are asked to give our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, he knows what we are, he loves us that way, but won’t leave us that way.

Yet some stand in the window watching and wondering, never leaving the building.  The bikers, the chances, the blessings all go by, and they wonder where is God?  Who is plainly seen by those seeking him, and being led by him.  The tense of giving our bodies is a one time event, like being born again.  Yet how many live in fear about losing their salvation, never knowing the peace Jesus provides?  Look around, the same ones go forward every week, when they could be out and making a difference.  When I look at this body of mine with all the scars, worth about $20 for the chemicals in it, I marvel at how God wants me, but was willing to give him a chance.  No matter of hard work could get me into heaven, without Jesus it is impossible, so why do you fight when it is a free gift?  What part of free don’t you understand? 

That day Kenny put on as show, even though the rules were against him.  He could have made excuses, but chose not too.  Real racers race to the end, which is scriptural, as we all race the race to the end to win.  On that last lap, an engine could seize, a crash could occur, or a leader could run out of gas.  Ask Robby Gordon about that, with 5 laps to go at Indy he ran out of fuel...the spirit never runs dry.  And God gives you what you need, when you need it.  Better than any factory ride or sponsorship, he is in it for the long haul.  Are you?

Our 200th anniversary of freedom in the US of A  was celebrated by all.  We have much to thank God for, as he shed his grace on thee, and me.  The chance to watch or to compete, to attend or be absent.  True love, true freedom demands a choice, it cannot be legislated.  Too many window shop, Jesus asks you to participate.  To get out and attend the race.  To get into life and get dirty, smell the racing castor and compete.  To enjoy the victory he has won for us and share it with others.  That day Kenny Roberts made me a believer in him, and a lifelong fan.  Just a year before I had made a commitment to Jesus, and became an eternal fan.  He made me a believer, and when the white flag goes out for my last lap, I know where I will finish when the checkered flag is waved.  Maybe not first, but I will finish, and in heaven.  And no longer standing in the showroom watching all the bikes ride by, I will be on one.  Riding and being blessed.  Out in the world, not of it.  Funny how we are made of the dirt of the earth, and all races start there.  And on one 4th of July, we let freedom ring.  Attend the race, fill the stands, and stand up and cheer in the spirit.  It is called worship, and we who know Jesus have plenty to celebrate.  Let’s the ride begin....

love with compassion,

Mike

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