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  The Chrome Horn - Racing With Jesus Ministries

   10/29/2014

FINISHING THINGS UP
by Rev. Don Rivers
 

  As we look back on the season past, we remember certain events, certain races, certain encounters. What sticks in your mind as you look back? We all have milestones we pass each year, markers that line the path of our lives. What significant things have happened in your life this year? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  Last Sunday the final race of the Whelen Modified Tour season was run. The champion was crowned. Congratulations to the #2 Team and Doug Coby, the 2014 WMT Champions. It was a great race, one that will get us through a long winter.

  I remember the race that changed some opinions that people had of a certain young driver. He had some difficulty in the previous season with over aggressive driving and earned himself an unflattering reputation. That changed over the winter. He received some guidance. He returned a different person and driver.

  That point was clear when he engaged in a 30-lap duel with one on the best. He held his own, and earned the respect of his fellow competitors. That day he followed the Scripture that encourages us to run the race in such a way as to win. He not only raced that way but on this day, he would win. I am sure the rewards of that day have yet to be counted.

  Many times in life, we don’t see the entire picture. We don’t realize all the consequences that certain events will bring; good and bad. In this case, the upside potential is great and the downside has been overcome. We can change the future consequences of past decisions by changing our actions and attitude.

  Another life that has changed comes to mind. He was a young driver from Stafford who got his start at the local track, a little rough around the edges and in need of some experience. Over the years I have watched him develop into one of the best. He has earned many championships and is poised to win more. I remember the first time I visited him after a crash one Friday night. To say the language was colorful would be an understatement. Over the years that has changed, at least when I am around. He has matured into a top driver and a respected competitor. He received the opportunity to move up because of this.

  This could describe many young drivers at short tracks around the country. Some need to change and some have the tolls and just need to mature. We all can improve the condition of our future, but the answer is not within us, it comes from an outside source, God.
I have many opportunities to see drivers and teams change during the season. Sometimes they change for the better; sometimes they change for the worse. I struggle when I see people make decisions that lead their lives in the wrong directions. It is like watching someone drive down the highway in the wrong direction. You try desperately to get their attention, you know the outcome of the direction they are headed, but to no avail. We are left to pick up the pieces and make the best of a difficult situation. Proverbs tells us;

Proverbs 14:12, There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

  We think we know the way but our way does not lead to satisfaction and fulfillment, it leads to destruction. Solomon, who received the gift of wisdom from God, concluded after much searching anything but pursuing what pleases God is futile. He characterized it as “chasing after the wind” Read as he tells of his pursuits.

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, I thought in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good."
But that also proved to be meaningless. "Laughter," I said, "is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?"
I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom.
I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.
I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.
I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house.
I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver and gold for myself,
and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers,
and a harem as well--the delights of the heart of man. I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me.
In all this my wisdom stayed with me.
I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless,
a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

  Solomon had everything and accomplished everything and it was his wisdom that helped him to understand what he had meant nothing. Until we see things through God’s eyes and respond in a way that reflects the love that God has for each of us we accomplish nothing.

  As we close out the season ask yourself the question, what have I gained this season? I would suggest the things you value the most are not material things. I would suggest the most important accomplishments are the relationships you built, the lives you changed, the hearts you touched. If you are looking back and you are lacking in these areas you need to change your focus for next year. Try and look at it this way, can I leave this situation better than how I found it. Our Christian witness should be one that reflects the fruit of the Spirit;

Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

  The ability to influence other in the right way comes from the Holy Spirit. We must seek out these character traits and practice them. Only then will we help others find out what is really important. This off-season take some time and practice having a positive influence on those around you.
 

  THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

  PLAYING IN THE DIRT - Next up for us is the World Dirt Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. I will be joined by our WoO Dirt Late Model Chaplain Steve Fowler as he makes the trip from Montana to North Carolina. We will also have Ed Harkins of Finish Line Chaplains along to minister to the Super Dirt Racing Series. We look forward to finishing out the season for the WoO and joining them for their Banquet.

  We have made great progress in our efforts to serve the WoO Dirt Late Models and STP Sprint Car Series. We have had Chaplains at more events this year and we plan on expanding that as we grow. Please lift up our efforts to the Lord in prayer.

  MOTORSPORTS 2015 - With most of the regional touring series we serve finished up we are putting together the cars for our display in Philly. We are looking forward to having some top notch race cars for you to look at and drivers to meet.

  OFF SEASON - We have entered that time of the year that is technically the off season. Although we all know there is no real off season. We are available to come and speak at your Church, Club or gathering. Drop us a line and we will put something together.

  Also, we are available, as always to talk and help you through the challenges and to share the celebrations of life. Don’t hesitate to drop us a line and let us know what is going on in your life.

 
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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SourceRev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: October 29, 2014

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