travel nationally, eat locally

You never ask the girl behind the desk “where is a good place to eat?”  You may be directed to the coffee shop, so we ask, “if you could go anywhere to eat, where would it be?”  And as their eyes light up, the menu changes for the better.  You may be a stranger in a strange town, with the lights from a chain beckoning you to feel at home, but you aren’t or you would be at home.  So why eat the same things on the road as at home?  Which brings us to local restaurants we have eaten at, wishing they were chains or at least in So Cal.  Nothing good ever comes to San Diego, seems they all stop at the county line.  While many have already stopped at the state line.  But here are a few that will make us ride out of way for a meal.

If in Bartlesville, Eggbert’s is the breakfast place.  Not fancy, looks like an old Coco’s, but the cinnamon roll pancake is to die for, not so sure it isn’t illegal.  Image a full size pancake, not the kid size at IHOP, with swirls of cinnamon and topped with icing.  Makes my teeth hurt thinking about it.  But for the best bacon, eggs, and hash browns it is the Durango Diner in Durango, make sure to sit at the counter and watch Gary do his thing with the spatula.  He has for almost 40 years now...

While looking for dinner in Gettysburg, the places on the circle were full except for one, so going against logic we ate there, and had the meal of trip.  The Pub and Restaurant was just filling up and the timing was right.  Incredible food, I had some Cajun dish based on Jumbalaya with pasta, so huge I didn’t think I would finish.  Great waitress, and fair price.  Worth a trip back, battlefields optional.  If you are asked “red or green?” it must be New Mexico, in Albuquerque it means Monroe’s.  But better yet in Santa Fe it is Los Amigos, in an old house off the main road.  Finished off with a sopapilla as big as the plate and hot, the perfect antidote for the green chile cheese burger.  Still not sure, “say Christmas,” a mixture of red and green.  But what about lunch on the road?

We try to frequent the local chains, and eat the specialty.  If there is a Culver’s in sight, Theresa will find it.  Great burgers with crinkle cut fries, but it is the concrete you save room for.  Also Braum’s makes a great burger combo for $5.89 with a shake, read milk shake.  They are a dairy store after all.  But when eating is the theme of the day or trip, you cannot beat Das Essenhaus in Middlebury, Indiana.  On the way to somewhere, it is family style, Amish food at its best, and served cafeteria style.  Roast beef, chicken, pork roast, real mashies and dressing, fresh veggies, and over 20 feet of a second trip back.   The $12.99 all you can eat lunch of the year, take your time, choose well, and eat lots.  Then take a wagon ride to work it off.....so when given the chance, travel nationally, but eat locally.  You will never be homesick again.  Ride to eat and eat to ride takes on a whole new attitude....of course you knew that already.

Theses temples to great eating should never be confused with the temples that Jesus lives in, our bodies.  When we are saved his spirit takes up residence within us, and many alternative temples can compete for his attention.  Some temples come in the form of cars and motorcycles, some on a large screen, some fitting the body we live in, and others yet in the form of drugs or alcohol.  Not all forms of idolatry are in the form of other gods, but can take the place of God in our hearts and life.  While some choose to live a life of luxury without considering the things of the spirit, some live a life of legalism, afraid to eat or drink anything, less a dietary law or custom is eaten where forbidden.  When anything controls us and  our pocket book, our mind, our attitude or actions, it it’s the primary guiding force in our lives.  Some live in homes that own them, the mortgage bigger than their ego, and becomes a prison.  Some have to have the fastest car or motorcycle, as one man explained to me last week, every year he gets a new bike.  Taking a huge hit on each old one sold.  Fashion and music go in and out of style, do you really need tennis, running, walking, workout, and casual shoes that we used to just call sneakers?  We all give in to something, can we say the same about Jesus?  Pause as the crowd just got smaller and quieter....

God wants you to have nice things, just not put them above or before him.  Yet some live poor but not humbly, thinking it pleases God.  Why would I want to be poor and destitute when God offers me the best?  Some still brag on what they have done, while others brag on what they haven’t done.  Do any of us brag on what Jesus has done?  On what his spirit is doing within us?  You see some choose to act locally, in church like Christians, but are a different person outside the building.  Jesus operates 24/7, we are to act the same outside as we do inside, which tells us a lot about what is inside us, and who is calling the shots.  Maybe a look at your check book is more than you want see and admit.  Idolatry is more than a product, more than an action, it is an attitude.  Does your attitude reflect Jesus?  Know that things are not bad in themselves, but when they lure you into more involvement of them they become idols.  You have a new god, a new master, and new love and you may not realize it.  One that leads you into sin and destruction rather than saving you from it.  Tough calls sometimes, but remember Jesus has given you his spirit so you know.  Do nothing form selfishness, but think of others and how it affects them too.  The first being your witness of Christ.  You know the urge, we have all been there.  But do we trust the spirit more?

Maybe it is explained best as a friend who drives over the road trucks did.  While on a ride with him, he passed by a diner and we went back.  He told us he always wanted to stop there, and when I asked him “is the food good?”  truckers are supposed to know all the best places to eat, he shook his head no.  Didn’t matter. The lot was big enough to park his semi in.  So maybe the truckers don’t know the best places to eat after all...but you can have the best in Christ when trusting and traveling with him.  Jesus spent his entire ministry on the road, he surely knew the best places to eat.  Consider this, he fed the 5000, left them with enough for the next day to remember what he did, and how, what about all the other daily meals with the apostles?  He remembered them at the in between meals too, can we say we remember him in the in between meals?  By his hand we must be fed, give us Lord your daily bread. 

Now on the subject of Pop Tarts....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

just answer the question!

As a father who raised two adventurous boys, and lived through their teen years to tell about it, I learned a secret, which really isn’t a secret if someone told me, and now I’m telling you.  So simple you may have overlooked it, and even applicable today in non-child raising applications.  Ready?  One word answers.  That’s it.  “Can I go?” “No.”  Not, “you cannot go because we don’t have the money,” or “no you cannot go because you’re grounded,”  just no.  A simple one word answer.  Which today may save a lot of stress between relationships, if applied properly.  For example, have you ever noticed how people avoid one word answers to yes or no questions?  See, instead of saying yes, or no, you began to cite an example.  Did you just do that?  Yes or no....not well could you repeat the question, or that I didn’t understand the answer.  You just proved a point...either way.

But the converse to the rule is when asking a question for a detailed answer.  “Is that a new bike, where did you buy it?”  Answer, “yes.”  Why do we get confused when it comes time to answer?  Are we trying to hide something, or are we just not comfortable, since we hear lies so many times anymore?  Yes or no answer.  With possibility of choosing either or or.  My kids still found ways to argue even with one word answers, “but why?” is not a yes or no.  Simple solution, if you engage in an argument, you already lost. They got you, and in terms of beliefs, wrong doctrine, sin, or false doctrine will wear you down long before you can change them.  Many Christmas parties ago a man and his family came and he started in some doctrinal issues.  He picked on a weaker one, they somehow know, and frustrated him and his belief.  When I was asked to comment, I confronted him, telling him all he wanted to do was start and argument, and he was not welcome any more.  Harsh words, but no argument.  Funny, how his wife the told him “see I told you not to do that, it always causes trouble.”  And gone he was...

In 2 John we read a short letter warning a church about false teachers, and how they invade and cause problems within the body.  He advises “don’t even say God bless you,” or let them into your house.  If you say God bless you, you acknowledge their god, who isn’t the only true God of the Bible.  And they are coached in how to twist scripture for their own use.  So no engagement, no argument.  Get it?  That’s a yes or no answer.  For example...

Some ladies used to make things for the elderly in nursing homes, a true ministry, and gave them away.  Meeting each week, they fellowshipped, made the items, and were blessed.  Until one time some Mormon women arrived, wanting to participate.  The pastor thought it a chance to evangelize them, but they all agreed to not share or talk about doctrines.  Seems the evil had arrived and taken over.  Soon the group was mostly Mormon women, who had infiltrated the Christian setting, and the women started to leave.  The Mormons had been successful, the pastor wrong, and the free items then were sold to the needy instead of given freely.  Net result, no more ministry, and when tried again, the church reminded them of how it failed last time.  The church failed, scripture didn’t, and evil won out.  Seems old John knew of what he was talking about. 

So God made it easy to become a Christian.  Do you acknowledge Jesus as deity?  Do you believe he died for your sins?  Will you repent and acknowledge him as your savior?  And when true to the spirit, you are saved.  Notice all questions require a yes or no answer.  No diatribe or theological discourse.  God tells you “let your yes be yes and no be no.”  He mad the gospel simple so we can get, free so we can afford it.  Not multiple choice.

So are you sure you are going to heaven?  No time to philosophize now.  Either you are saved or you aren’t, no maybes in heaven, those  who didn’t decide did so by not saying yes.  Only God gives us the right to say no, and to say yes.  Based on love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.  Maybe an interview on TBN years ago explains it best.  A man radically saved from cancer was being interviewed.  He was being pressed to tell if TBN influenced his miracle, what scripture, what teacher, what show saved him?  His answer was simple, “all I know is Jesus.”  By his answer he admitted he knew it all.  For no man or teacher can do what Jesus does, heal and save.  Finally after many attempts at getting another answer, they moved on.  Was this show selling Jesus or themselves?  Only in the spirit  do you know, the answer is them first, then Jesus.  But those who truly know Jesus and not entangled in religion get it.  Do you?

Or you can be like I did once.  Below the test page was a line that said “do not write below this line?”  So I asked why?  And I am still waiting for an answer.  Still don’t know Jesus?  Here’s your chance.  You have just heard the gospel, do you see him as God?  A simple yes or no will do....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

for those of us who really rather not have a V-8

Over the years America has had a preoccupation with cubic inches, the bigger the better.   With the V-8 engine the one all others are measured by, or at least used to.  Over the years I have owned V-8’s, inline 6’s, 4 cylinders, and V-6’s.  At one time our motorcycle inventory consisted of 2 thumpers, 3 vertical twins, 3 three cylinders, and an inline 4.  Working with Mercedes Benz I became familiar with their V-12 motors, both the good and the bad.  But with the strive towards smaller turbocharged motors, all big engines with V’s and multiple cylinders will be a thing of the past.  “Grandpa, what’s a V-8?”  It’s s motor son, Chevy made millions of them, so did Ford and others.”  As a hybrid buzzes by unannounced, unnoticed, and around here, unwanted.  Each motor the same only different cylinder configurations...a lot like most people I know.

The first car I drove legally was my parents Rambler Classic with a 232 six, they built them forever.  Then a Pinto four, and my first car, a BMW 1600 four cylinder.  My first V-8 was a  1973 El Camino, my biggest my 429 in the 1967 Cadillac.  From 25 mpg to 6 mpg, the all got me where I needed to go, mostly, and with different attitudes in each one.  But things have changed since we used to pop the hood and check the oil, unscrew the air cleaner cover, and check the fluids.  Covers now cover the engine, no more Ford blue, Mercury yellow, Pontiac green, or Chevy orange.  The color of raw castings covered by plastic covers...with no instructions on how to remove them, and when you do, how to make them fit right again.  But each motor had its bad and good points, with one in particular that stands out.  It had personality, was as basic as it could be, and was tied to a three on the tree trans.  How many could shift one of those today?  It was a 1976 Chevy pickup, gray with the old style bed.  Taken in trade at the Ford dealer I was working at, I grabbed it for my transportation.  Fun and basic, no engine covers to hide its motor, and lots of low end grunt.  A far cry from the four valve, double overhead cam six in Theresa’s Mustang.  Tied to a six speed auto.  And while both are fun to drive....I still prefer the basic.

Which is why I still drive my 2003 Ford Ranger 3.0.  Plastic floor mats and an auto, the only concession.  And every time I tell her I want an old truck, she reminds me I have one.  But now looking at the new 2019 Ranger with only one motor, a four cylinder turbo, with 280 hp.  In a truck....don’t worry honey, the old Ranger still has a home here.  And for those of us who really rather not have a V-8, it does everything we need basic transportation for.  Gaining in value as its gets older, but I remind those who want it, it’s not for sale, and only worth what it would sell for.  Which will never be enough to get my attention....

We could never imagine a world without V-8’s, now we can not imagine world with them.  Such is how time passes and things change.  And how many regard their walk with Christ.  Effectively putting off the blessings of today for tomorrow, when they have passed and they wonder why.  Both Christian and non-Christians look at time the same way, go for it now, get it while you can, with nobody being able to see any difference.  The world wants it now, big V-8 with all the accessories, a first class cabin, and all the power that is available.  But we are supposed to look at things in a heavenly perspective,  considering that what lays ahead of us is more important than what lies before us today.  While some live only to die with the most toys, or to leave a pretty corpse, Jesus informs us that we have an eternal home in heaven, and all things seen are temporal.  Seems we have no interest in the things we cannot see, giving them a lesser priority, failing to come to grips that he who has the most toys still dies, no matter how pretty the corpse is.  Party hearty, wear out today’s body, replace it with new next year.  From plastic surgery to Botox to the hair club, we can keep up the appearance, but the performance suffers.  Some thinking as long as I can get parts I can keep the old one running, or like in today’s market, you can build a brand new 1957 Chevy or 1965 Mustang with new parts.  But somehow it’s just not the same.

Jesus offers us an abundant life, which is more than toys.  Car payments, mortgages, and credit cards can own us, rather than owning the car, house, or trips.  If we truly believe that heaven awaits us, then how should we live?  Does our life only matter to us, or does it affect others?  When Paul addressed Philemon in regards to Onesimus, his decision would affect his family life, his church body, and his public perception.  And how he saw God and his mercy.   We are not told his answer, but the important thing to consider is what would be your answer?  While some worry about those in third world countries who have never heard the word, what about those who have?  What about you? 

No matter the engine size or configuration, no matter the horsepower, we will all have a final ride in the same black hearse.  Not behind the wheel, not even as a passenger.  All the expensive cars and bikes will mean nothing, as the same hearse will carry the guy who drove a hybrid.  I hope not a hybrid hearse!  So maybe our time on earth is important and how we spend it too.  God wants us to have nice things, and he loves giving good gifts.  And heaven is the best one, and yet to come.  Paint fades, engines wear out, and it’s time to trade.  Don’t trade your relationship with Jesus for something temporal.  Don’t feed the flesh thinking it will feed the spirit.  It is just the other way around.  Enjoy Jesus today, thank him for how he has gotten us this far, and anticipate tomorrow.  Some memories are like the cars we drove, best left in the past.  For like the V-8 they were for a certain time.  Only Jesus is forever.  In the beginning and in the end, and in the in-between.  And for you smarties who tell us how Jesus was in one Accord, was that a four or a six?  Auto or stick?  Two door or four?  But never a hybrid, never let anything blend in with your Jesus.  Never.  Maybe time to check on your relationship, has it gone hybrid?  Honda makes bikes too.....you know.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

forbidden, forgiven, forgotten

One of the great joys of any teacher or pastor is seeing his students apply what they have been taught and being blessed.  Years ago we were able to assist an old pastor’s family that was in need.  They were instrumental in our early Christian walk, and his comments still touch me today.  As overjoyed with the gift and answer to prayer they had received, he found more joy in the fact that we were filled with joy in giving and seeing the example he set of Christ duplicated.  Truly is it better to give than receive as we know, and having been on both sides, when God is involved all are blessed.  Maybe the best outward sign of a changed heart, the motivation by the spirit in a person’s life, giving them a desire to be what they weren’t before, and enabling them to do it. 

Picture if you will a man and wife eating lunch on the patio with their son.  From a distance they see a man approaching, and they cannot believe their eyes.  It was a man who they had taken in, who had disappeared one night taking some money and valuables.  They had no word from him for years, and now he was walking up the driveway, looking excited to see them.  Stunned, maybe a bit concerned they welcome him, and the reunion is sweet.  A blessing to all....and a testimony of lives changed by Jesus Christ.

Such is the letter written to Philemon, the 25 verse book in the Bible written by Paul to him.  His family is sitting eating, when an old slave who ran away, Onesimus, returns.  First some bitterness appears, sin will do that, but soon it appears that Onesimus, whose name means profitable, is not the same man who ran away.  Although many times a crook returns to the scene of the crime, this time is different.  He had met Paul in Rome, and become a Christian under him.  A great helper and advocate of Paul’s teachings, he is faced with repenting to his former owner, willing to suffer the consequences, which could be deadly.  A slave was property, and for running away could have a huge F, for fugitive branded on his forehead.  He could have been sold at market, or condemned to death,  all left up to the owner, Philemon.  And it is up to the Phil the teacher to apply what he has been teaching.  Paul writes in the letter, Onesimus has become a Christian and a great asset to him.  But he sent him back, the right thing to do, and asks Phil to do the right thing with him, Paul wants him back, but leaves the decision up to him.  Asking him, not telling him, to do the right, Christian thing, that although he owes Paul for leading him in salvation, even sending money to support the church in his home, that none of these should affect his decision.  It is his choice to forgive as he had been forgiven, and although Onesimus was once a slave to man, he is now a bond slave to Jesus Christ.  An equal in God’s eyes.  As we all were once, and Jesus forgave us, and where we were once forbidden, we are now forgiven, and welcomed.  Where once Onesimus had been a slave, he came back a brother, with Paul’s request, “as a brother, treat him as you would me.”  Also reminding him to put his debt on his credit, as Paul had been helpful monetarily too.  But also if you choose to punish him, I will stand with you.  Not what Philemon had anticipated.  Only in the spirit are we allowed to make up our minds, Paul could have easily persuaded Phil, but didn’t.  Just as the Lord lets us make the choices, for true love demands a choice.  All three men here had chosen Jesus, now the test had come. That which had been unprofitable was now profitable, he was needed. 

Interestingly here Paul appeals as a friend, not an apostle.  A brother instead of a teacher, and points out the obvious.  We are all family in Christ, and free in the spirit.  But our choice of how we live in it or let it become a burden.  Religion and its legalism would say carry out the law, just as the crowd called out “crucify him!” about Jesus.  But as we are given mercy, we are to pass it on.  It may not be a heavy debt or hurt, but do we forgive or turn to scripture, carefully weeding it out and interpreting it for our own good.  Has our heart changed and do we forgive as we have been forgiven?  Jesus tells us that we are, but are we?  Do we just say the words of the Lord’s prayer, or do we truly forgive?  Have we become one in the spirit of Jesus Christ, or one in the battle against him?  Be careful before you answer....

Onesimus had become a problem when he had fled,  Phil losing a worker, money, property, and trust.  Anything but an asset, but now saved was a great asset to Paul.  What would Phil do, prosecute him or send him back to Paul?  All material debts could be settled, that left only the spiritual one, that Jesus paid and the example he left for us.  Paul asked for Phil’s consent before he acted, do we consider Jesus in the same way?  Do we forgive, or forbid?  What would you have done? 

We are not told the answer to Paul’s request, but signs off saying “ I know you will do more than I ask.”  Persuasive words or a sign of faith?  Jesus forgave all our sins, do we forgive others?  Do we forgive ourselves?  I would have loved to overheard the conversation after Phil read the letter.  And his answer.  But more important, God included this letter in the Bible to test us, to remind us, to show us true love.  Jesus gave it all for us, while we were yet sinners.  We are now part of the family, with all the rights and blessings.  Jesus always does more than we can ask.  I would think Philemon did the same.  It must have been difficult and at the same time rewarding to see his old slave, now his brother. It is not who we were, but who we are now, the new man in Christ that matters.  For the old is passed away....and that is where we should leave it.  Greater love has no man.....and the story goes on.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com