.
It will be beneficial for us to take a look at the character traits of God,
the fruits of the Spirit. As we commit to be together studying this for the
next few weeks let’s begin with the most important character trait of God,
love. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Racing isn’t a lovey dovey sport. We don’t spend a lot of time telling
each other how much we love them. I am pretty sure, as Tina Turner says; we
might ask ourselves “what’s love got to do with it?” It has everything to do
with it.
I am not talking about erotic love or brotherly love; I am talking about
unconditional love, no strings attached. Love that sacrifices without the
expectation of receiving something in return. When we treat people with
respect and dignity no matter who or what they are. When we give them that
respect we begin to value others the way God values us.
For some reason we think we can compete with each other and not consider
who is in the other car. I like to remind the drivers at the drivers meeting
before I pray, look around, these are the people you will be driving
against, treat each other with respect.
Respect is only one aspect of reflecting the love that God has for each
of us. Sacrifice is another important component. We read how much God loved
us in the familiar verse from John’s Gospel:
John 3:16-17; "For God so loved the world that
he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish
but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to
condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
God did what we could not do for ourselves;
even the score, pay the price for our sin. God loved us so much that He
provided a sacrifice for us. It is because of that sacrifice that we can
have a relationship with Him. Listen to the words from Romans;
Romans 5:6-8; When we were utterly helpless,
Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person,
though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is
especially good.
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while
we were still sinners.
What about our earthly relationships? How do we
treat those around us that we care about? Many times we are guilty of taking
them for granted. Many times we assume they know we love them and it isn’t
necessary to show them. Let me share with you that isn’t the case. Everyone
needs to know that they are loved, that they are important, and that they
matter. To take it one step further, we need to express that without being
asked!
Genuine Love for someone isn’t something that comes natural to us. We
tend to be better at pointing out what is wrong with someone than what is
right. We are conditioned to pick people apart. We need to turn that around
and develop the technique of building people up. That is the first step
toward showing others God’s love.
Are you a person that likes to antagonize others? Pick at someone just to
get a rise out of them? Not meaning anything, just for fun. Well that is
destructive, it is demoralizing. It doesn’t matter whether you mean it or
not it is the greatest tool Satan uses to wedge his way into relationships
for one sole purpose, to destroy them. Don’t fall victim to this tactic, it
is one of the hardest habits to break.
Jesus says, do not call someone a fool, you have committed murder.
Paul writes, “Do not put out the Spirits fire”
We are all guilty of this, tearing each other down just for the fun of
it. This should not be. Listen to what Paul says about God’s love, the love
we need to show others.
1Corinthians 12:31b; And now I will show you
the most excellent way.
1Corinthians 13:4-8a; Love is patient, love is
kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps
no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always
protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
We have quite a list to tackle don’t we. The
point is this, God’s love is not just something that happens; it must be
practiced. We don’t naturally act in a way that reflects the love of God. We
need to practice and learn what it means to love one another the way God
loves us.
For the world to see the hope they can have in Christ, those of us who
are Christians need to start learning how to love one another. We are called
to be bigger than the pettiness of selfishness. If others don’t see it from
us, who will they be able to turn to?
The way we act will go a long way toward helping people welcome the love
of God into their lives. When others see the love we have in our heart for
them they will be drawn closer to God. You don’t have to look any further
than Jesus to see that.
He came into this world to show us the love of God. He walked with us, He
taught us, He guided us, He healed us, He gave His life for us; He saved us.
What a wonderful example to have to follow.
2Corinthians 13:14; May the grace of the Lord
Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
MOTORSPORTS 2016 - The time is here and we are
ready. Come by our booth and see a great selection of racing machines. Along
with our effort to raise funds to find a cure for Breast Cancer we will have
the newest addition to the Pace car fleet, our 2015 Ford Fusion. Alongside
will be the Dirt Modified from Keith Flach and the #74 Wall Sportsman
Modified of Jonathan Laureigh. It is a great collection of Hot Rods and we
are looking forward to being with you.
Remember, Chapel 10:00 am on Sunday at the Main Stage. Jim Bernheisel
will join us as we gather to worship the Lord.
PRAYERS NEEDED - This past few months have been one of difficulty
and sorrow. I learned this past week of the passing of Carl Kibbe.
Carl was 69 and passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 14, 2016.
He was the loving husband of Debra L. (Mello) Kibbe of Hope, RI. Carl was a
member of the North Eastern Midget Association (NEMA). He won 4
championships in the late 80's and early 90's and 2nd place 8 times and won
many individual races. He and his brother Donald began their racing
endeavors around 1975 with their father Clayton, who also raced cars. The
three of them had ventured into a family business together, the former Kibbe
Milk Transportation Co. He then worked for Sunoco Inc. as a maintenance
technician for 28 years before retiring in 2009. He was a knowledgeable and
handy person to have around. He was always willing to help someone and was
the 'go-to-guy' if you were wanting something fixed.
Please keep Curt and the entire Kibbe family in your thoughts and
prayers, also the NEMA family Carl was a vital part of that community.
SAYING GOODBYE BY REMEMBERING THE FUN WE SHARED - Sunday’s
celebration of Joe Brady’s life was a tremendous encouragement for all who
attended, especially Linda and the family. There were many stories, smiles
and laughs, it was as if you would have expected Joe to walk in at any
moment. He was there in spirit. I can see that mischievous grin behind that
mustache, he enjoyed every minute of it. The highlight was when all those
who at one time or another worked as part of the Brady Bunch gathered around
one of Joe’s cars along with the drivers in attendance that wheeled the
Brady prepared machines. What a collection of racers! It is hard to say
goodbye, better to look forward until we meet again.
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
www.rwjm.com. 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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