One of the problems associated with getting older but not necessarily old,
is you remember how low the prices seemed back then as compared to now. $1995
for a Z-1, later $2295 for a GS 750. My first Rabbit in 1975 was $2995, my Dad
bought a new 1972 2002 BWW for $4000, out the door. If only they could be had
for those prices today, such a deal I have for you. But at the time I was
making $150/week, and just getting by, a theme that still continues to this very
day. But what if we had been so smart to invest in 1955 Chevies when they were
just used cars and cheap? I bought a 1949 Ford pickup in 1982 for $900, a lot
of money I thought, now they sell for over $40k restored. Remember how a K81
Dunlop cost $25, and another $5 to mount and balance it? Now the same deal for
$300 and up. I remember the outrage when a 250 motocrosser went for over the
$1000 mark, and we wondered how can anyone afford to race anymore? If
only known then what I do now....how different things may have turned
out. But reality tells me the high prices of today will be the bargains of
tomorrow, so buy them now while they are cheap.
Looking at an ad for Brian Wilson, the seats start at $85 and go up to
$250, I look back to when I saw concerts for under $10, some under $5. A lot of
lawns were cut just to see Santana, Iron Butterfly, The Eagles, and The Beach
Boys. A buck used to get me into the movies, with the biggest decision how to
spend the remaining 50 cents on soda and popcorn, with a dime left over. Albums
for under 3 dollars, gas was 30 cents, and you could eat a Big Mac with fries
and a Coke-no ice please for under a buck. The big deal in high school was are
you man enough to eat $5 worth of McDonald’s food? From what I see the
challenge is still there, just under a different set of rules. But as prices
change, hopefully incomes rise too, our first house in 1981 cost $45,000, now
you cannot buy a pickup for less. Where has all the money gone, where are the
good deals we see looking back, and what deals are out there today? What will
we look back on and say “I wish I had bought it when it was cheap?” Making more
and enjoying it less? Guess what, you’re normal, that ought to cheer you
up....
It seems every time they invent a better mouse trap, a new and improved
mouse comes to market. Just enough to have you wanting the new one, under the
guise of “I gotta have it.” Many are looking today for that gotta have it rush,
a feeling of belonging, a feeling of value and importance. And are willing to
pay the price, as today cults, religion, and life philosophies are in your
wallet to guarantee them, if you have the cash and credit. Leah Remini has
shown that the average Scientologist gets hooked for over $250,000 in a
lifetime, and once you join, it don’t get any better. Cults control you, and
don’t want to let you go, the control factor of the person caught up in the cult
is for their own good, or so they are told. Years ago a popular fad in churches
was having a mentor to guide you through life, from how to dress to who to
marry, to where to work, they advised and insisted. So much for a free will. I
was part of a discipleship program once, until I refused to use their book,
after completing it your life was back on track, and you got a certificate to
prove it. Nothing to do with a person, just another loser lesson. Yet people
sign up for these things and more. No one gets Eckenkar material for free.
Some denominations have you sign a contract for tithing for the coming year.
And you better stay current! Some churches have bookstores that sell Bibles, if
the importance of the word is as much as they preach it, why don’t they give
them away? I guess the story of Jesus and the moneychangers is different when
you are the receiver not the payee. I see so many Christian bookstores that
popped up 10 years ago now gone, what happened? How can so many miss the free
gift that Jesus promises?
Somehow we believe the higher the price, the better the product. But
salvation, the best product ever made available over the counter, is sold from
the pulpit. Take money out of the picture and how would it affect your
relationship with your church? So many tithe to the church, I thought we were to
give unto God? With more pastors selling books, begging for money on their air
time, have we missed the free gift? Or have the cults and other abominations
gone one step better than some churches? The gospel is free so we can afford
it, and simple so we can get it. No system of books, no 13 week course, no
retreats for a $1000, no studying to be saved, Jesus made it simple, believe in
him and confess him and you are saved. The same price 2000 years ago and the
same price now. Only God can beat inflation and still give a product that is
priceless. But some still object and look elsewhere in vain.
Today we do more on the income I have, less a month than I used to make a
week, because it is based on a spirit driven economy. I don’t get it, but I
will happily receive it. No course on finances can do what God can do, no
formula for success other than the holy spirit. No books, classes, cult,
private teacher, or life coach can do for you what Jesus has already done. And
left his spirit to assist, comfort, guide and advise. Who better to know than
he who controls it all? Maybe an old bumper sticker says it all, “Jesus saves,
and at today’s prices that’s a miracle.” God doesn’t need your money, he needs
a heart that is giving, who enjoys giving, and is led by his spirit. Such a one
is never in need, and will always have what they need in him. Psalms tells us
“I was young once and now am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.” God provides, from salvation to clothes to
money. The answers are there, are you asking the right questions?
Funny thing about bikers and off road racers, I have seen hundreds get
together to raise funds for one who is hurting, or give a part to a guy who
needs it, “pay me later if you can.” Here is the test for your church, ask them
to help you financially, but make sure the problem is real. No begging. And
see what the answer is....Ministry is simple,seeing a need and meeting it.
Years ago Ray Stedman on Wednesday nights after the offering told those who
needed some money to take up to $10, and see him if they needed more. I once
did that, the blessings that came are another story altogether. God blesses
those that are cheerful givers, not bitter tithers. Jesus said it.....
So I may be older, but I refuse to get old. I don’t like to pay too much
for something, especially when I can get it for free. The gospel, the good news
of Jesus Christ is still free, and in many churches, too. Open your heart to
him, and soon your goods and attitudes will flow also. You cannot take an
offering, you can only give one. Jesus still saves, he paid the price we
couldn’t, and yes, that still is a miracle today. The problem with memories is
we remember how things were, with Jesus we can look ahead to how they will be.
And are today. Today is the day of salvation, keep your money. You cannot
spend it in heaven anyway. But you can feed, clothe, or help someone today. If
only we had known that back then, how differently things may have turned
out!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com