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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