Castro's first car

Let me take you back to a simpler time, when cars and the people who owned them were both simpler, and in some cases simple.  A time when even an AM radio was an option, and FM was still new and only for those who were true connisseurs of rock and roll music.  A time when 8 tracks brought the music of albums onto four wheels, and right in the middle of your favorite song it would change tracks.  This is where we are this morning, a time of Pintos and Vegas, Gremlins and VW Bugs, a time of Danny’s Song, “even though we ain’t got money, I’m so in love with you honey...” and the Grateful Dead were right on, “what a long strange trip it has been.” 

Castro, as in Jimmy Castro, worked with us at Sears.  His first car, a brand new Vega, in that cool blue color, was his pride and joy.  You remember how it was with your first car, you always wanted to do the driving, invited all your friends when going to lunch, and any time was time for a road trip.  So it was with Jimmy and his Vega, with one exception, Castro was cool, one of the guys, Vegas were in as a low cost first car, but there was something about his car that kept us from wanting to ride in it.  In fact even parking by it on hot days, as it gave off an odor worse than BO.  Like bad meat it stunk, and with no air in the era of vinyl everything interiors, it was brutal.  So when Jimmy asked a couple of us to help him install an 8-track with him, we ran out of excuses, and those of us who didn’t helped him install it.  An afternoon we would never forget....

It was the best of times and the worst of times, with the best still to come.  As we decided to install the door speakers first, at least the doors open would provide some air flow, not quite fresh, Jimmy working on the driver’s door pulled off the panel, and we heard “%^&*(((&%$!!!”  And as the smell escaped, he reached in and grabbed what was left of a sandwich, a sandwich still in a baggie that some line worker had hung inside the driver’s door at the factory.  He grabbed it and threw it across the drive, and with it the odor, the source of the odor found and remedied.  Immediately a refreshening of the interior had begun, add in some sprays of Brut, Castro’s cologne of choice, and soon it smelled like a Saturday night date instead of a Sunday morning fishing trip, after the catch was made.  It would still take a few weeks until we would ride in his car again, but now with music, fresh air, even if tainted a bit with Brut, the car was drivable again, do I hear “road trip!”

What had happened to Castro’s car was what happens to us when we turn to Christ.  The stench of sin is removed, and the fresh air of the holy spirit is present in our lives.  We enjoy a time of refreshing, and even though we still face problems, we now look at them differently.  We now are assured of heaven, and soon we know that the return of Jesus Christ in imminent.  Being in the last days for over 2000 years, we have the promise of redemption, of cleanliness and forgiveness of sins, and a hope and a future.  The smell of death is gone, and we can breathe freely for the first time.  Just as Jesus promised us, we are truly born again, a new creature in Christ.  We learn to not make excuses for our sin, and like Castro’s car, we can be free to go where we want and invite people along with us, and they will not be forced to make excuses.  When led by the spirit, he will guide us, and if we are rejected, he never does reject us.  Yet some reject Christ, trying to cover up their stench with cologne, trying to hide a smell, but the spectre of death is always present.  Arguments and excuses presented, and it is hard to figure why anyone would want to go to hell if they don’t have to. 

A time of peace and prosperity accompanies us in Jesus.  Not by our standards, but his, as we can cast all our cares on him.  Despite the world around us we can go out and be refreshed, knowing that in tough times, in times of trials and temptations, we have an advocate, who is there for us.  But sin can hide very well, just like the old sandwich in the baggie, it wasn’t the car’s fault, but it and all who entered still suffered.  What was a joke from the line worker who hung his lunch inside the door, had a devastating effect on others.  Sin is not isolated, but when you are saved you can be isolated from it, in the spirit.  Where no cologne, no fresh air, and no other way other than total removal will fix it.  We need sin removed so the odor of death will go with it, and only in Jesus is that possible.

We laughed about Castro’s car, Jimmy telling better with all the facial expressions, hand movements and using the seven words  you cannot say on TV.  The odor of death was removed, but the car was still a Vega, which soon would rust away before his very eyes, soon after the head gasket blew and the motor blew with it.  Fixed under warranty, but we always wondered, “did the engine builder miss anything, on purpose?”  So Jimmy did the right thing, traded the car away, and at that time we both moved on.  But every time 8 tracks are mentioned, when Fabreeze is advertised, when classic cars are mentioned, I think of Castro’s Vega.  And now I know why the fragrence of Brut has lost its appeal.  You can cover up sin, but until it is completely removed, the stench is still there.  One ride will convince you, what part of fresh and new don’t you like?  We all remember our first car, what do you remember about yours?  That new car smell will not last forever, but Jesus will.  The Vega is gone, where you end up is your decision.  Danny’s song or Jesus’s song?

Meanwhile GM announces another recall, seems a strange odor is coming from some of its models, no deaths reported...yet.  You will be advised to return it to your dealer.  Isn’t it time we return to God?

“and tell me everything’s gonna be alright...”

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

meanwhile at the Apple store...

As a kid growing up, we used to hang out by Bud’s Cycle Shop, looking at all the bikes we dreamt about.  English racers with 5 speeds, real racers with 10 speeds, turned under handle bars, and how many wanted that neat little clip for your pants to keep them out of the chain?  He tolerated us a lot, knowing we were potential customers, calmly answering our questions.  What we didn’t know was that we were training for bigger things when we got our license, and would hang out around the back at VIP Honda.  How we would try to stay out of the way, watching and marveling at how the mechanics fixed things.  Mesmerized, we wanted to be part of it all, and occasionally when asked to do a meaningless task, such as empty the trash, or sweep up, we jumped at the chance.  Jay Leno shared at Bud Ekins’ memorial how that was how he met Bud, Bud told him “no pretty boys here, sweep up if you are going to hang around.”  You are never too old to realize your dream, or to sweep up.  But sometimes we would be asked to chase a part, feeling important when saying to the parts man, “I’m here from VIP to pick up_______,” we were part of the team.  Sometimes we would be given a shirt from the shop with its name on it, sometimes hanging around after closing and listening to the bench racing.  We were part of the crew, one of the boys, and no money could compensate for the education, or its application.  Dirty hands, dirty jokes, and stained clothes from being where the action was, no one had to ask where you had been, they could tell by looking at you, and all your friends wanted to be you.  You were their connection, the connection into the world of motorcycles, and in your mind you just knew they couldn’t get by without you.....

But with insurance regulations, and a peer group of kids that don’t want to get their hands dirty, who are more into texting than riding, the crowd is thinning out of kids like us when we were young.  They huddle at tables, stand together in groups at the Apple store, texting but not talking with or to each other.  Mindless robots who in no way would ever care to experience the wind in their face, the dirt under their fingernails, and the challenge of doing anything with their hands other than texting.  Who find solace in their cocoon of sameness, gathering information, and calling it an education.  It has become normal for them to shun others, to not communicate face to face, or to speak in sentences, and given a problem, only know to Google it.  They never get to know the joy of accomplishment of doing something with their hands, of wiping the sweat from their brow with dirty hands, of the smell of racing castor, and 110 octane gas.  They live life behind a 3x5 screen, and anything outside of that screen is dangerous.  They will never take one for the team because they are not part of one, and if asked to sweep up, question “is the Roomba broken?”   No wonder there are signs to keep them out of the shop, do you want them wandering around yours?

Look around any church service today and watch the amount of people texting.  Not listening, but still with an air of “I’m here, so bless me God,” even though it is against their will to attend.  How interesting if a pastor was to ask at the end of the service, “where have you people been while I was speaking?” Know any pastors that brave?  I don’t, but what of those whose entire Christian experience is church, without ever experiencing Jesus?  Who have done all the right things per the church, but never know Jesus?  Scripture passes them by, and their lives are not affected by it.  They take it all in, but the output is nothing.  And we wonder why so many kids raised in church go astray?  Maybe they are practicing what they learned from their parents, their actions speaking louder than their words.  Remember Jesus it is not what goes into a man, but what comes out that is important.  I wish I had heard that taught when younger....still haven’t today.  Maybe this is why so many hollow prayers are offered up, and so many hollow answers given, because they never were part of us, they never participated.  They got all they expected from God, nothing, because that is what they asked for.  Unlike the man encountering Peter and John, lame and begging for money, Peter’s answer surprised him, “silver and gold have I not, but in the name of Jesus rise up and walk!”  He had been taught to beg, but his real need was to walk, and his experience with Jesus would do just that.  He would walk, something no amount of money could buy him, it gave him freedom, all in the name of Jesus.

Meanwhile at the Apple store, great minds are taking in information, but never getting the answers they need.  Google Jesus, see what comes up.  It is time to get out and experience him first hand, to get our hands dirty by meeting those who don’t know him, who won’t go to a church, and see Jesus in action.  They could be the ones hanging around just waiting for a chance to hear the truth, while your face is buried in a screen.  They could be the ones with dirty clothes and blisters form pushing a broom, never making enough to own an i-anything.  Jesus meets us where we are, he comes to us.  He spent his life on the road, meeting the people.  I can see him sweeping up, taking out the trash, and running for parts, just to be a part of your life.  Some think church is all you need, when really it is Jesus is all you need.  When he changes your heart, you will want to meet other Christians, to go to church, to listen to the word taught properly.  Religion gets it all backwards.  Jesus will never leave you with a blank screen, or charge you for a monthly service.  Maybe if the church got its hands dirty....

If your feet never get dirty, you will never have to have them washed.  If you never had sinned, you wouldn’t need a savior.  Jesus did both, washing us inside and out.  Encouraging us to love others, to be the gospel here on earth.  To meet all people, not just the safe ones.  Maybe Mother Teresa said it best, when a reporter exclaimed among the sick and dying,”I wouldn’t do this for a million dollars.”  Her reply was “either would I.”  If you want to see Jesus in action, you need to be where the action is.  All others....see you at the Apple store. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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they paved paradise...put in a new Walmart....

The American landscape as seen from the seat of a car, to the seat of a motorcycle has changed in my lifetime.  My earliest recollections were driving the 60 miles to my Grandparents home, the majority of it on US 22.  Being the early sixties, it was diners, drive ins, and dives, long before the show became a hit.  With two distinguishable landmarks along the way, Stuckey’s and Howard Johnson’s.  We would occasionally eat at Ho Jo’s, but rarely stop at a Stuckey’s, a tourist trap as my Dad called them.  Who needed souveneirs from where they lived?  But as the new interstate went in, all these familiar landmarks were passed by, and soon became history, only for locals, and my Dad was right, “who needed souveniers from where they lived?  But new landmarks grew, McDonalds were found at every other off ramp, then Burger King, and soon it was fast food to the rescue, where once farmland and cattle covered the hillsides, now strip malls were the new American landscape.  But things were still changing, as soon every other exit had a Walmart, so many you could probably do a Walmart Across America Tour, never leaving the freeway, and never leaving home either.  But in the latest trend, Harley insists its dealers have freeway frontage, so now we see Harley stores along the freeways.  On one Torches ride, two guys wanted to stop at each Harley store along the way, and ended up a day late because of it.  Spending a fortune on t-shirts, maybe we don’t need souveneirs from where we live, but we sure do from where we travel.  With apologies to Joni Mitchell, “they paved paradise, and put in a new Walmart....”

Creating a commonism among all those who stop and shop there.  The only major difference is in the t-shirts they sell, reflecting where they are located.  We have found that in many cases, you can buy t-shirts much cheaper there than at the local Stuckey’s replacement, with money leftover to eat at Mickey D’s, conveniently located inside many of them.  Greeted as you enter and as you leave, with a souveneir to match.  I can only imagine the conversations at the local get together at the trailer park, “nice shirt, which Walmart did you get it at?”  Is it possible that in our quest to get away and escape, we really don’t want to leave home at all?  Or do we?  What do you look for when you travel, could there truly be a Walmart involved in your next vacation?

When they paved paradise, it opened the door to more travel, quicker travel, and longer distance travel.  We got to meet those who would not have otherwise, and establish a relationship with them.  Along with a t-shirt.  On the day of Pentecost, when 3000 were added to the church, instantly it grew in size and scope.  A small group of believers were suddenly faced with new faces, and how to interact with them.  And without the Golden Arches, or the Bar and Shield, no Walmart yet either, God provided a way unique unto him, which he still uses today in the hearts and minds of believers, both old and new.  On that day he gave them the Holy Spirit, who united them with God, but also with each other, giving them a common ground.  Despite cultural and language differences, they could communicate and fellowship with each other.  They could get to know each other, compare likenesses and share differences, and share how Jesus Christ had changed their lives.  Up until then, the gospel was only for Jews, but that day became available to all who would listen and believe.  They prayed, laughed and cried together, with only Jesus in common, but when being driven by the spirit, became one.  A true sense of community of community was developed between them, and their commonality was Jesus.  Strangers were no longer strange, love took over, and not a t-shirt to be purchased in sight.  They were operating as the body of God was designed to, not grieving the spirit, but being led by it.  They were kind and compassionate, and the church grew.  Not by programs, processes, or special events, what could be more special than the spirit revealing Jesus to you?  Kindness and compassion swept over them, and the world and church were changing. 

For just like when the sights along the road changed, so did we as we travel with God.  We remember where the Stuckey’s used to be, and how much farther we had left to go.  We passed by the 28 flavors of Ho Jo’s, and the many diners we used to visit.  Things changed and the new things were changing us.  But sadly as old relationships disappeared or changed, the new ones needed work to survive as well.  The more we travel the road, we recognize the old landmarks, but also discover new ones.  We begin to have a relationship with Harley, if only for a shirt.  With Mickey D’s, if only for the dollar drink.  And with Walmart, if only because it is the saving place.  But do we remember the spirit, the one who called us to salvation?  Or is he just a memory of a trip we took?  In this world we will have tribulation, too much self inflicted, if only we could unite in the spirit?  Put away our petty religious differences?  Overcome denominational diatribe and be spirit led.  What a difference our lives would make.  But first we need to remember that we are sojourners, travelers on tis planet for a short time.  And we need Jesus to get to our final destination, heaven.  We need the spirit to guide us, protect us, comfort and unite us.  For without him, we wander, and wonder what could have been.  In Jesus, we will know....

It all starts with a relationship with Jesus, driven by his spirit, and then lived using his power.  We cannot do it ourselves, lest religion tell us the same old lie that we can, without the spirit to heal our hurts and differences, we will never be at peace with others, or with God.  If no life seems to flow from you, maybe you are not living in the spirit, but on your own understanding.  When we start to bear one another’s burdens, trust God and love as he does, then we will be truly manifesting his spirit within us.  Until then, the numbers on the routes may change, but the trip never will.  Jut another endless ride of the same thing, with nothing to show for it.  The key part of vacation is vacate, to leave behind that which is harmful and to find new ways.  Unless Jesus is that way, we labor in vain.  The 3000 can attest to that, personal yet in numbers.  When we forgive, when we love, when we live in the spirit, the ride changes.  Why be stuck with only 28 flavors?   Why only a postcard when you can be in the picture yourself?  Why do you need a t-shirt to remind you, or think Walmart is the saving place?  Each ride starts with pointing yourself to the road and out of the garage.  For many the garage is Sunday at church, could your day of Pentecost be near?  Could your trip in the spirit be waiting?  Paradise may not have been paved, but a whole new world in Jesus awaits you.  That door Jesus knocks at may not only want you to answer so he can come in, but so you can get out and live.  Never has the call of the open road been so great....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

losing your bearings

It was our first long trip after my aorta replacement, and the next seven days would seem like heaven.  Our last ride ended with me being life flighted, my bike being rescued by two Harley riding friends trailering it back to California, and coming home in a rented Camry.  So with all good intentions, we headed north, to ride the Gold Rush country, and get out of town.  Bike checked over, all was well, and off we went.  But occasionally a grinding noise was coming from the rear and we couldn’t find it.  Checked all the obvious, no marks, chain OK, so rode on.  Until looking for a place to eat in Paso Robles, where we would spend our last few nights.  Btu when pulling onto the road, the noise got louder, and pulling over found the rear wheel bearing coming apart.  No wobble, but the parts were exposed, and the bearing was shot.  With no Triumph dealer, aka Mickey, within 200 miles.  So calling my insurance carrier, I had coverage for breakdowns, but no one way towing service would take my bike that far, so they agreed to have me rent a truck and would reimburse me.  So far so good....

So finding a Ryder truck agency who would loan me a one way truck, he asked why, and when explaining the situation, told me he was a retired Honda motorcycle certified mechanic, he could fix the bike, no problem, just get me the part.  This was sounding good, so calling Mick, he arranged to have the bearing sent directly to me in Paso from Triumph in Atlanta overnight.  With one small problem, they didn’t have one in stock, in fact they had never sold one, and had on dimensions on it.  So calling Shel, who I met through Mick, the National Service Manager, he called over to the UK, who would get back to him, but didn’t have the specs either.  Fortunately bearings come numbered as to their specs, so removing it from the bike and reading the number should be no problem, they are universal.  But the bearing had been damaged enough that no number could be read...so it looked like a truck ride back with bike in tow.  So the arrangements were made for the next day, and then one final phone call was received.  This old Honda tech had found the bearings, it was a kit with a Honda part number that fit my bike, he would have it the next day, my bike would be ready by 10, total cost with towing, $88!  So we did what any good rider would do when faced with a dilemma, we went to the water park!  And the next day, we were on our way home....

So many times we lose our bearings, we misplace God in our dilemmas.  We panic in a panic situation, and we had had enough panic for a lifetime the summer before.  But just as then God had everything in place, before we could even ask, he did this time too.  We forget that in times of trials, it is when the gospel has gone forth and the church of believers has grown.  We get complacent, lazy with God, treating him like a genie in the lamp, just giving him commands and our wants.  But we fail to see how he takes us through, and not around the present danger.  How rare was my heart condition, that I was the only one in history to have what I had, and now the first rear bearings go out on a bike that has never failed, but fortunately God never fails.  You may be broken down, broken up, or just broken period, but God still has everything under control.  Many times without asking, despite our not listening and panicking.  Yet we do, and God still does, we are more normal than we like to think.  We forget who the disciples were before they were called, and even after spending three years night and day with Jesus, still doubted and panicked.  Yet Jesus kept his cool, he never lost his bearing, he kept his eyes on his father, doing everything for him, to the end on the cross.  And then fooling everyone by being resurrected.  He had told them so, but had they heard?  So after panicking, what do you do?  After leaning on your own understanding, what do you do?  When all hope is gone, what do you do?  After all the cussing, thrown tools, name calling and doubt has caused turmoil, when you have lost your bearing with Christ, where do you turn?  Back to Jesus...repent, then shut up and listen to him.  He knew all about the Honda tech renting trucks, the availability of parts, and the Honda part number.  The bearing was the same, it didn’t change, its application did.  Just like on Pentecost, when Peter spoke to the 3000 who were saved, at that point the gospel became for Jew and Gentile too, not just as previously prescribed.  So why can we believe he can find a bearing that doesn’t exist, but cannot solve our problem?  All parts do not work  on all bikes, but God’s spirit is available to be poured out on all who believe.  And so we enjoyed the day at the water park worry free!

Much of auto repair is WIP/WOP, work in process, or waiting on parts.  Sounds like our lives.  We are that work in process, and waiting for what we need, we just don’t know what we need.  We have a God who does, the Jews call him Jehovah Jireh, his grace is sufficient for us, he supplies all our needs, just like he says he will in Christ Jesus.   Down to the last motorcycle part.  I may have lost my bearings, Triumph was out of stock, and the broken one was unreadable, but Jesus never lost his bearing.  He never panics, he never hurries, he never tires.  The perfect person to have with you on he road, or at home.  And that afternoon, at the waterpark.  I knew the right people who still couldn’t help me, when all the time all I had to do was trust Jesus.  Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all your parts will be available.  Seems he was into motorcycle ministry long before any of us were.  Reminding me once again, the gospel is simple so we can get it, and free so we can afford it.  Even bearing our burdens when we cannot, or they aren’t in stock.  God is bearing his witness to us all the time, with signs and wonders and diverse miracles, along with giving us his spirit.  According to his will. 

And my insurance company insisted on paying for the tow!  A good thing Lucas doesn’t make bearings.  Jesus Christ, don’t leave home without him! 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com