the weight

It was the third day of our 2005 Torches Across America ride and like the song said, “I was feeling about half past dead.”  And just needed some place to rest my head.  We had ridden over 1200 miles in three days, with nights in Kingman, Gallup, and now Amarillo.  Staying at the Holiday Inn I had stayed in 30 years earlier when I moved west.  We had had a full day, escorted by the NM State Police, cool guys,a huge ceremony in Albuquerque, and then rain.  Hot and tired, we even passed on the trip the the Big Texan, where if you can eat and keep down a 72 oz. steak in an hour it is free.  We had lost two hours due to time zones, and at 930 pm local time, I was just getting into bed, boots off, when the phone rang.  We were late getting to a dinner celebration for us, and even though it was only a half mile away, the ride seemed like 100.  But after all the big time hoopla, tonight was going to be special, it just had to be.

Before entering Amarillo, a man was standing on an overpass waving a huge American flag, we were used to this, but this one seemed more special.  We were later to find out it was him and his group that was sponsoring the food, of which there was plenty, and being starved and exhausted, I dove in.  But there was something unique abut this group, definitely not the more sophisticated ones we had become used to, these guys were servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. As we watched the local Boozefighters attend to us, we met a couple whose son had died in Afghanistan, and had made the national news.  They driven hundreds of miles to be there, after George Bush 43 had made a surprise visit to them, to console them in their loss.  A much different side of the man than the media portrayed, and this 911 ride to honor those lost and first responders, became more personal.  Taking it from the headlines to the home.  No bitterness here, their son had died defending his country, doing his job as a soldier.  And knowing Jesus, they knew where he was that night and forever.  But it got better....

A group approached us wanting to show off its ministry to the homeless.  Flying under the radar and not getting attention, they had built an altar under a bridge for the homeless to worship.  They not only shared the gospel, they lived it with them.  No budget, just what God provided, and lives were being changed.  Salvations, healings, and lives changed by Jesus, and we got to see and hear about it first hand.  I was even more exhausted after going back to bed that night, but blessed beyond words.  Here in Amarillo, in a church, in a ghetto neighborhood, we saw the gospel come alive, where it had become personal, and where Jesus was honored.  Not by words so much as it was by their actions.....a lesson I will never forget.

So many times we run to the church, a ministry, or a rich person when we need help.  When Jesus and his disciples were faced with feeding 5000, and didn’t know what to do, they turned to Jesus and watched as he fed them all, two fish and five loaves for 5000.  He simply said “you give them something to eat,” a story repeated in all four gospels, they may have been perplexed, but knew where and who to turn to.  A lesson learned first hand in Amarillo, as bikers, Christians, grieving parents, and others came together.  We all have varying needs, and many times don’t know what they are.  That night I needed a touch from God, I was tired, he wasn’t.  In a situation where many hands made light work, we saw God honored, and him lifted up in a very humbling and loving way.  Like the disciples faced with feeding a multitude, God had it all worked out already.  A couple who had lost a son being consoled by a surprise visit from the President, yet not wanting to miss the night, a motorcycle club staying out late to serve us, and a ministry to the homeless, telling of the great things God was doing in changing lives.  None of us was prepared for that night, but it still sticks with me 15 years later.  When the abilities of others to meet our needs fail, a hug, kind words, a meal, and some fellowship brought us back to life.  Listening to a testimony, sharing food, and hugs and smiles sometimes are the miracle we need, but overlook.  In all things give it to Jesus and see what he can do.  When our needs are exceeded by those who need help, when we get up when tired and want to sleep, we can see a side of Jesus we otherwise would have missed.  And the blessings of others being blessed by serving us.  It may not be a 5000 meal dilemma, but a need is a need, and Jesus is adequate in all situations.

The weight that night was not one of a physical sleep, but of a spiritual sleep that needed to be awakened.  Jesus took the load off that night, and when we placed it all on him, he came through.  When we put it all on him, he comes through.  He knows our needs, and the next day we were thoroughly refreshed and blessed.  He sees us needing care and lets others be blessed by meeting that need.  His words to remember, “they need not go away.”  Don’t miss any chance to show God’s love, and why we pray before every meal.  Because we know from whom it came, and we are thankful. 

Cast your cares on him for he careth for you.  Andrew only had a meager means, but in the hands of a loving God, all left filled, with leftovers for tomorrow.  We will get  hungry tomorrow again, and God will provide, just a doggie bag to remind us, and to share with others.  God opened our eyes that night for what was to come, and our hearts.  A load that Jesus took for free...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

can a long time biker find love on four wheels?

We stopped in the local Harley store to get a t shirt for Mick, and talking with the sales girl, she asked where we were from.  “San Diego,” to her another world, as she was in Kalispell, Montana.  She naturally assumed we were in a car, our first vacation in one in 41 years of marriage, and when I mentioned this, she commented about not taking a vacation in a long time, referring to us.  But when I explained we had ridden in 48 states and the nearby Canada, she appeared confused, and when I mentioned I was working on my second million miles, she said “that’s a lot of miles.  You must go a lot of places.”  Funny how 48 didn’t impress, but two did.  I guess it is hard to count 48 on your fingers and toes....

But as a life long motorcycle rider, she was right, we have seen a lot.  I cannot say I started out like that, I just hope I end up like that.  And all the in between miles too.  But we did travel this year by car, and we both survived, I actually did better than Theresa thought, only waving to other riders a few times, but found it hard to talk with other riders when we stopped being in a car.  Somehow it gave me no credibility, at least in my mind.  Why would I change, why would I tell others about my high mileage, then go back to the car?  If I wasn’t impressed, how could the others believe me?  Now not everyone has the seasons we do, or rides as much as we do, but long ago found the $20k and 20 miles don’t make you a biker, more fact than humor.  And when talking with touring bike rider loaded down, our little Soul looked almost pathetic, I had to keep telling myself I was OK, and that I really did do all those miles and places, and had many more rides left to ride.  But most of all was coming to grips with the fact I really was enjoying being in a car.  Now if mental illness is described as doing the same thing and expecting the same results, I ride and enjoy it each time, will I have the same mental impairment in a car?  Did I stop riding because I got old, or now will I get old because I am not riding as much?  Or is it possible, God is taking me on a new journey in my life.....

Or maybe reminding me to recognize and thank him for what he has done, is doing, and will do, in a car.  Mentally I had to adapt to four wheels, but still yearn to ride.  If you get it, I won’t have to explain.  The freedom, the thrill, and the enjoyment of two wheels is unique, I have driven fast cars like a Maserati, Boss Mustangs, and various muscle cars, a rush but not quite the thrill of two wheels.  Maybe it time for me to stop whining and face the reality of four wheels, and be more thankful.  But the question remains, can a long time biker find love on four wheels?

Jesus tells he is the truth that sets us free.  Many years ago, we had an assistant pastor named Rick, an older man who had been in a mainline religion for years, and got saved.  Suddenly all he had done denominationally lost its value when confronted with the truth of who Jesus is.  He was able to minister in a unique way because he had known religion intimately, but now knew Jesus intimately.  Not down on his old denomination, but thrilled with the joy of a life filled with the holy spirit and of a personal relationship with Jesus.  When others tried to defend religion, he knew first hand, he had been there.  No book learning alone, he had lived it for decades, and his testimony carried some weight.  He had ridden the miles of organized religion, and now was embracing his new life in Christ.  He would tell you he wished he had met Jesus earlier, but wasn’t looking back, just ahead.  Maybe a message to all of us, and to me adapting to four wheels.....

My close friend FR. Al resides in heaven now, after many years as a priest often at odds with the Catholic church, who he ministered in.  He would serve communion to all who desired it, was told by some he spent too much time in the Old Testament, he loved the Psalms, others claimed he spent too much time in the New Testament and the gospels.  Too born again.  Seems he couldn’t please everyone, so he tried to please God.  We communicated often, and once when offered a bishop’s position, asked me to pray, as he had so much going on with the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel.  But his answer later showed his true character, “if God offered it to me, he will be the one to see me carry it out.  And so many Catholics need to know Jesus.”  In his final years after being healed twice miraculously from cancer, he opened up the Chapel every Sunday to whatever church group wanted to use it for praise and worship, and had healing sessions.  So why am I fretting about a new life ahead?

And so I find it is OK to ride in a car, to tour in one.  If God ordains it, so be it.  Maybe the novelty of traveling in a car will be fun, I know it was for our 16 days and 6377 mile 16 state trip.  So if an old rider can find peace with God in a car, why can’t those stuck in religion find peace in Christ?  My heart hasn’t changed, much, just my attitude towards cars.  Taking the car isn’t a sin, denying Christ is.  Something I need to remember the next time I travel on four wheels, AC on, tunes playing, and still waving at riders.  Both Rick and Fr. Al followed Jesus until death, going places neither one ever thought they would go.  Who am I to not trust the God who loves me so much he sent Jesus to die for me?  Now if only the thrill of walking in the garage and seeing the car is as much as seeing the bikes....and never losing sight of Jesus.

Can a long time rider find love on four wheels?  I found love in Jesus Christ, the rest ought to be easy.  I’ll keep you updated.  Matthew 25 car ministries.....nah...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the Golden Age of motorcycling

There is a very good chance that a few years from now we will look back and find out we were living in the golden age of motorcycling.  Never before have so many great bikes, from so many manufacturers been available, and at prices we may never see again.  Without a doubt, every brand has dealerships overloaded with inventory, some over three years old, that  are priced to move, and with financing available to move them.  Want to have a large touring bike, the new Gold Wing will take you, as will the dresser Harleys and Indians, Yamahas, and BMW’s.  Want to go fast, how about a quarter mile in the tens?  The nines?  Adventure bikes in the 11s.  Want a full on race bike, S1000RR from BMW or the Yamaha R1 are race ready, as are various models of Ducati.  Only have a few thousand to spend, Honda and Yamaha have a whole fleet of bikes under $10 grand, with some as low as $5000.  Entry level bikes with performance of the bigger bikes of only a few years ago, retro bikes with modern features like Triumph and Indian, KTM will take you from the track to the street in one swift move, and a 2005 Suzuki GSXR1000 reincarnated as a standard selling for under $9000.  And that is the new bike side of it, talk about used....but why when you can ride a new one so cheap?

Years ago it was expensive leathers, now textile jackets in many colors with body armor.  Boots, gloves, and helmets to match.  You can have the look even if you cannot ride.  Accessories from headers to computer tunes to add horsepower, adding it to adapt to  your riding style, or to add miles to your tank.  Chrome, high performance tires only found on race bikes previously, touring tires that get over 12,000 and stick like race tires, Ohlins shocks, and the list goes on.  Spend a little or spend a lot, no matter your budget, this is the time to ride.  As if there hasn’t ever been a time not to. 

But yet the inventory is not moving, manufacturers are offering $100-2000 rebates, 0% financing, and free accessories.  Where are the new riders, to replace those of us aging in years and miles ridden?  How can such great deals on such a great sport be passed over?  Sadly we never know what we have until it is gone, so go out, get a new bike, and add miles to your life, while subtracting years.  Or we can be like the townsfolk the Lone Ranger helped, “sorry we never knew you.”  Quite honestly, years from now will your grandkids want to hear what a great crabgrass free yard you had, or the places you rode and the bikes you rode on?  “let me tell you about my minivan or SUV,” will never fill the conversations around the campfires, tales of how far your hybrid went will not impress, and who but the few who are born to lose brag about their Prius?  Kawasaki lets the good times roll, not Toyota.  You meet the nicest people on a Honda motorcycle, not Honda car.  And like the ad says, “ I didn’t know BMW made cars until I passed one.”  What are you missing out on and passing on? If you have read this far and just have to go out and ride, you get it.  For the rest of you, there is still time....don’t delay!

If I were to organize a campaign against Christians, I would make it an easy one.  Just get them to wait, to delay, to tarry.  To do tomorrow what could have been done today. Make them doubt the claims of Jesus, question the authority of the Bible, the accuracy of scripture, and mire them in religion.  Get them debating against each other, rather than uniting in the spirit.  Do anything to keep them guessing, and here you have Satan’s plan put simple.  In baseball whether you swing and miss, or it is a called third strike, you still strike out.  Yet many churches today are like Babe Ruth, they hit a lot of home runs, but also strike out a lot.  But still draw a crowd like the Babe did wherever he went.  But yet in the crowds are people, you and me.  Maybe we need to ask why we go to church, why we are Christians, and where is Jesus in our lives?  Babe is remembered more for his home runs than his striking out, but rarely if ever remembered as an All Star pitcher.  How you remember Jesus will impact your world, and your life.  Yet too many churches are filled with people going nowhere like the new bikes in the showroom, missing the Golden Age of being a Christian.  Which is every age!  And we all can participate! 

Jesus tells us that someday all Christians will be absent from the body and at home with him in heaven.  Yet many are absent of the spirit and leave  home every morning without him.  Missing the day’s blessings, and neglecting to share him with a lost and dying world.  Being a witness for Christ takes on many arenas, just as Paul said he became all things so all men might hear the gospel.  Not all will hear the message at church, but we all work, we all shop, we all play on weekends, and we all have people we meet with on a regular basis.  The audience is there, the message is there, and the spirit is willing?  Where are you?  Better yet, where were you when someone told you about Jesus?  The glory of God is made evident through his people in his love.  Not winning arguments, but in love putting them and their problems before us.  The glory of the Lord is what grips our heart, forgives us, changes us, and encourages us to share his love with others.  When we get it that God loves us as much as he loves Jesus, we can love ourselves and love others.  Enjoying his love today, why would you want to put off his love and joy until tomorrow? 

This is the Golden Age of life for the living.  For the riding.  For knowing Jesus.  Why be stuck inside when you can be out living?  Put something exciting between your legs, get out and live Jesus, not just live for him.  The gospel is free so we can afford it, and easy so we can get it.  Easier than even the best deals out there for riding.  Or you could be bragging about the crabgrass free yard, how many times you read the Bible this year, or how you never miss church.   Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.  You don’t know what you’re missing until you meet the Lord!

And so off I go on my new Street Triple R!  In Christ!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com