Dress for the fall.   - This advice comes from the manufacturer of motorcycle jackets.  “It makes sense to wear the best possible protection.  Tank tops or t-shirts don’t qualify.  More and more riders are recognizing the necessity and benefits of wearing protective gear to minimize their risks of injuries in case they do go down.”  (RoadRunner Oct-Sep 09)   Riders have a choice of what to wear in Illinois.  They may choose helmets or shorts and flip flops - kind of like the Christian life.  We can choose to wear protective gear.  Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.” (HCSB)  Or, you can stand against the tactics of the Devil with your favorite t-shirt.  The choice is yours.

You ride where you aim.  This is one of those tips that I remember reading in a motorcycle magazine years ago.  The trick in the corners was to look to the exit or where you wanted to go and not at the bright shiny guardrail.  Your motorcycle tends to follow your line of vision or where your head is aimed.  Philippians 4:8 “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.” (HCSB) What are we going to focus on today?  What will we aim at? 

Ride defensive.  Never assume the driver of the four wheeler with the cell phone in one ear sees you.  Always be aware of what the other person might do.  We really don’t want to see if the protective gear works.  1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil  is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” (HCSB) This theory applies to our walk as a Christian.

Fair weather riders. (not a tip, just an observation)  On warm summer weekends, I see all kinds of bikes out. I’ve also observed, however, riders out there in 10 degree weather or even in the rain.  At times, I’ve been one of them.  They stand out because, well they’re crazy. There are those who choose to serve the Lord even when they are out numbered and the conditions are not the best.  Read the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer in 1 Samuel 14.  Verse 6 includes "Come on, let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will help us. Nothing can keep the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."  (HCSB) These two trusted in God and acted, and then those that had hidden in the rocks, the caves, and among the enemy joined in the battle.  They became the catalyst for others to be involved in the victory that God gave.

Loud pipes save lives.  Pat shared this one with me one day.  He had loud pipes and I still don’t.  I’ve also read several articles that debate the fact.  I’ll leave it up to each of you to decide.  But I do know this - Romans 10:14 But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher?  (HCSB) If we are not loud enough for the lost to hear, they won’t be saved.  So tune up your pipes and share the word.  If we can scrape in the corners and ride in the rain, we shouldn’t fear sharing the gospel.

Your tip could be next.  Make the connection between the ride and the walk.  Email it to us at cliffwoodman@mac.com.