This ride took the lead as our most attended event for the year so far. We had 25 bikes show up, with 2 bikes having a passenger also. We were thankful that rktec could come to breakfast and shoot some video, even though he had to take care of some family business today.
The day started cold, in the upper 40's F and a little fog here and there. People came in sporadically during breakfast, but by riders meeting we had a big group. We had a riders from a 100 mile radius come in, and from three different states as well. Thankfully, jalasure, andyr, J-mac, and frindle were there to help me by each leading a group. Breakfast gave us all a chance to meet new friends and reconnect with old friends. I polled riders to determine pace and then gave my typical riders meeting speech. We then had a prayer for safety and then split into groups according to pace.
The lead group had to stop because one rider had issues with his visor. It didn't matter because they still kept the lead in front of the next group. That second group led by me did catch them because they had to stop for gas and a break. After one rider in my group took a break we went after them. We got delayed because that same rider lost their tank bag in a corner, I guess he really had it leaned over. After that we got stuck behind a tractor, getting stuck behind slow vehicles was a recurring occurrence for our group. We later dealt with a psycho pickup driver who zigzagged over the center line about 7-8 times in 3 miles. I did miss one turn and some other groups missed a turn here or there, but most of the ride went without a hitch. No one crashed and there was no involvement with police, it was a good ride. At lunch we lost about 7 riders due to work obligations, tiredness, or family things. We eat some good food and I shared the Word before folk had to leave. The rest of us went on to enjoy a good ride through Montgomery and Chester county with a cruise past a nuclear power plant for our annual dose of isotopes. Seriously, we only got stuck behind one really slow driver, as in 15-20 mph in a 35-40 zone. We were down in 1st gear crawling along until a safe place was found to go around them.
Our next stop was for some great ice cream. We all had a good time laughing about our adventures that day and trading stories about bikes and friends. A few more riders headed home while about 9 of us went to my house to take a break and get something cold to drink. After about 40 minutes we took one last gas stop and went to Lansdale Bike Night. We saw all kinds of bikes and had fun talking, eating, and chilling out. It was big fun. I think we finally parted ways around 8:25 pm after talking with J-Mac and his cool kids. This was a long day, but a fun one. I can't wait until next month's ride.
Scripture Readings for September 2013
Our topic for this month's reading from the Word was the Assurance of Forgiveness. This is a four step process with Step one realizing there is sin in your life. We have committed sins of commission where we did things we shouldn't have and sins of omission where we didn't do things we should have. I John 1:8-10 talks about this: 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.Step two is confessing our sins to God. Psalm 38:18 speaks about that: But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. Also, there is Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. In this passage we can see how our confession leads to salvation and us knowing God better. Proverbs 28:13 says: People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. This reveals not only what was shown in the previous Scriptures but also our next step.
Step three is understanding that God is merciful, ready, and willing to forgive you. God wants relationship with us. Psalm 86:5 talks about this: O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. In Ephesians 1:6-8 we read how God made a way for us to have relationship with Him through Jesus. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. In Hebrews 10:11-18 we see how things used to be with ancient Israel and how God made a new arrangement that is open to us all. 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. 15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says, 16 “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” 18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.
The final step is for us to pass on the forgiveness we have received from God onto others. Ephesians 4:31-32 tells us how to do it. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Remember this forgiveness is an assurance not insurance, you can't buy it, but God freely gives it.
It was good to ride with you all this month. I hope to see you soon.
