Spring
is a special time of the year; we see renewal all around us. Do you know
what I like best about springtime? The noise! Whether the birds singing or
the Modifieds humming, springtime is a wonderful time. What are you looking
forward to this spring? What part of your life needs to be renewed,
refreshed, it brings rebirth? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ.
Look around, life abounds, waking up from its sleeping slumber. We see
the hope of life in those things we thought were dead; springtime. The
wonders of God, things that lay dormant now have a new life. How about us,
do we need a new life, a life that comes from God?
The new birth of spring; we hear it at the track, the smell of rubber and
racing fuel, yes spring has sprung. The cars and their new paint schemes;
the drivers and their new suits, the new teams, the old teams, everything
seems fresh and new. What have you seen new this year? What does it bring to
mind?
Springtime reminds me of the new life I received in Christ, once dead
with sin, now alive through Him. The spring of living water has renewed my
hope and given me life.
One of the difficulties with this new life is living like we have really
have been given a new start. We somehow don’t believe that God meant what he
said. If we did we would live differently. In a song Steven Curtis Chapman
sings he says, “This is life I’ve been given. I was a dead man who has been
called out of the grave. Wake the neighbors, make some noise!”
You know what’s neat about a spring morning, the noise! You’ve heard it,
birds singing, the world waking up, and life anew. Have you been given a new
lease on life?
Ephesians 4:17-24, NLT;
With the Lord's authority let me say this:
Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused.
Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of
God because they have shut their minds
and hardened their hearts against him. They don't care anymore about right
and wrong,
and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled
with all kinds of impurity and greed.
But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ.
Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in
Jesus,
throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten
through and through,
full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of
your thoughts and attitudes.
You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's
likeness--righteous, holy, and true.
Think of the comparisons found in these verses.
Hopelessly confused, closed minds, full of darkness, hardened hearts, don’t
care about right or wrong, surrendered to immoral ways, full of all kinds of
impurity and greed. They describe a life without Christ.
Throw that away: It’s rotten through and through, full of lusts and
deceptions.
Put on a new Spirit; renew your thoughts and attitudes;.
Phil. 2:5-8, Your
attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God.
He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared
in human form.
And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a
criminal's death on a cross.
Our new self is a not one of demanding our rights,
but one of a humble servant, obedient to God’s direction and will for our
lives.
Listen to the contrast in Galatians 5:19-23;
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature,
your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality,
impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in
demonic activities, hostility,
quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the
feeling that everyone is wrong
except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and
other kinds of sin.
Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of
life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of
fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
I encourage you to make some noise, sing a new
song, this is life we have been given, and we have been called out of the
grave.
Demonstrate it in the way we live:
*Not demanding rights, but humble, with a servants heart, obedient to
God’s will.
*Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control.
Eph. 4:23b-24; There
must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.
You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's
likeness--righteous, holy, and true.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
HERE,
THERE AND EVERYWHERE - Racing season is in full swing and we had them
covered from Coast to Coast. I was down in New Jersey at New Egypt for the
Cabin Fever 60 for the Big Block Dirt Modifieds; Rev.’s Dan and Ray were in
South Carolina at Greenville/Pickens for the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150
for the K&N East guys while West Coast Gary Dionne headed to California
Speedway on his way to Stockton for the WoO STP Sprint Cars.
I am so thankful for those who stand with me in ministry and serve!
Thanks to all of you who support what we do, it makes weekends like this
possible. I am thankful to know that we have your support, both in prayer
and financially.
BEN RHODES WINS IN GREENVILLE - After a disappointing finish at
Bristol last week Ben Rhodes made sure he tasted the sweet flavor of victory
his next time he had a chance. Rev.’s Ray and Dan sent in this report;
After a fantastic last lap finish in Bristol last week, this week's K&N
Pro Series race didn't disappoint. Getting in the season's first race at
Greenville/Pickens Speedway, where rainouts seem to be the rite of Spring,
the anticipation was set in qualifying by Ben Rhodes. After many hard fought
battles for first place and lead changes that were many and often, Ben took
the checkered. Followed by Ronnie Bassett, Cameron Hayley, and Jessie Little
rounding the group who fought for the finish line. Daniel Suarez returned to
the top five after a mechanical failure at Bristol .
Chapel service was well attended. Jesus' parable of planting seeds was
the topic and where do we fit into that picture in our everyday lives. We
met a burn survivor who shared some of his story. He told us how God brought
him back from burns over 95% of his body. We are looking forward to this
crew member on Jessie Little's team to share more of The Lord's healing in
his Spirit and body at an upcoming Victory Chapel.
The many conversations with drivers and crew members encourages us to
continue to be an integral part of this racing family. We are looking
forward to being together once again at the next race in Richmond . Rev.’s
Dan and Ray
WEST COAST REPORT - Gary Dionne called in a report from
his activity on the left coast and shared how the outpouring of support for
Steve Kinser has been overwhelming. This year is Steve’s last year running
full time on the WOO and they have taken the time to recognize Steve at each
track they attend; “Salute to the King”. The city of Stockton went as far as
to give Steve Kinser a Key to the city in a special event held at City Hall.
NEW JERSEY DIRT - I had the opportunity to hook up with the RoC
guys and head down to New Egypt for their opener. It was good to get back
into action and catch up with folks. It was great seeing Grandpa Blewett at
the track. He is still an integral part of Blewett Racing. I am looking
forward to being at a few more dirt events as the season goes on. I hope to
be back in town when the WoO make their visit.
GARY BETTENHAUSEN PASSES - In what is probably remembered as the
greatest act of sportsmanship, Gary jumped from his still moving car to
assist another competitor who had crashed during the 1971 Indy 500. What is
more amazing is he returned to his car, still moving, got back in and
finished the race tenth. This week at the age of 72 Gary Bettenhausen passed
away. His legacy and the legacy of the entire Bettenhausen family will live
on in the racing community. God Speed!
BLAST-OFF - Waterford Speedbowl gets things going this week with
then 2014 Blast-off. We will be there and look forward to seeing you after a
long winter. We will have Chapel Sunday morning at 10:00 at the flagpole in
the infield. Please take time out to honor our Lord on His day. See you at
the Pole at the Bowl!
Until next time, be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals
and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at
http://www.rwjm.com/store. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter
what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. Remember that
God loves you, we love you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586,
Tolland, CT 06084.
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Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord
make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face
toward you and give you peace."
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don
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RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
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