The Chrome Horn - Racing With Jesus Ministries

   8/6/2009

ON THE TEAM
by Rev. Don Rivers

   I have been studying in the book of Ephesians the past few weeks and one of the things that has been on my mind is being part of the team. What does it take to be a part of the team? There are many that want to be on the team but only a few become members. What qualifies you to be a team member? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
   Being a part of a team is a great honor. When that team is a winning team it makes it even more special. As I look around the pit area at the many tracks I visit I see people who want to belong, they want to be a part of something. Many are willing to sacrifice for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Those that make those sacrifices are bonded together in what we refer to as The Racing Family.
   What do we need to belong to this team? A few things come to mind, we need to have a high level of commitment. Have you ever had a team member you couldn't count on? It is difficult to work with isn't it? I think more than anything else people are looking for others to be committed, not just participate. You must be willing to put everything you have into it.
   I am reminded of the chicken and the pig. When it came time to be a part of the breakfast team, the chicken participated but the pig was committed. You see the chicken gave the eggs, just a portion of what it had and it didn’t require her life. The pig on the other hand gave his life to provide the bacon. Are we just participating or are we committed?
   Most everything we value in a team member is based on their performance. They need to know what they are doing but if their level of commitment is there they will learn what they need to know. If they are willing to put in the effort they will find a home on the team. Their value to the team is based on their level of commitment and their willingness to sacrifice.
   What about God’s team? Did you know that you cannot earn your way onto God’s team? That’s right; God doesn’t base our value on our performance. We cannot do enough good things to earn our way onto God’s team. It sounds strange because it is so foreign to us. How come we can’t be good enough to be on God’s team?
   First off, God is perfect; there is no error in his way. We on the other hand are not perfect, you know it and so do I. So how do we get on board? For us to be present before God there has to be something that covers over imperfections. To be a part of God's team it doesn't matter, it is not what you know, it is who you know. Do you know Jesus Christ? Jesus made the sacrifice necessary for us to be part of God’s team. God gave us that gift and allowed us to become one with Christ. It is not something we can do for ourselves. Here is how Paul explains it for us.

   Ephesians 2:8-10; For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

   God cared enough for you and me to give us the gift of salvation through his son Jesus Christ. A gift you cannot earn; a gift that will change your life. Think about what it cost Christ to provide the opportunity for you to know God.
   Being on God’s team is different than man’s team but if things are in order the work will get done. Look at this verse. God provides us the gift of grace, unmerited favor. It goes on to say that you cannot earn your way on the team, you only need to accept the gift provided. Sometimes that is hard for us to accept. We think we need to do something or pay a price. Christ paid that price for us.
   We also read that this team has tasks to do. God has laid out a plan for each of our lives. His plan is a good one and will lead us to be a productive member of His team. It will cost you something though. You have to do it God’s way. We don’t become a member of God’s team and then do what we want to. God’s plan will transform our lives and change the way we see things, His plan will allow us to live the best life possible. We don’t need to know how or why we only need to trust God and He will provide the direction for us.
   Team unity means that we are all working together for the same goal. If we are on God’s team the Holy Spirit guides us. He will show us God’s plan. Like a crew chief, he will lay out the things that need to be done and then we need to follow.
   Listen to the words of Peter as he talks about the physical sacrifice we need to make for God. Peter helps us understand that accepting God’s gift leads to a spiritual and physical change. We will look different to others.

   1 Peter 4:1-5 (NLT), So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.
   Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead.


   Just as Christ gave up his life, we also need to be willing to do the same. Remember the pig, he was committed. The amazing thing is that to be on God’s team no prior knowledge is required. We need only to accept the offer God makes to join Him. We need to commit ourselves to follow His lead. Yes, it will mean that there will be a change in our lives, physical and spiritual. Yes, some folks won’t understand and make fun of us. The reality is that there is no other way that will fulfill you life. We cannot do enough good things to earn our way onto God’s team. It is a gift we need to accept.
   Are you ready to unite yourself with God’s team? Remember it is not what you know but who you know. Make that decision now, don’t put it off. Just pause for a moment and ask God to come into your life. Ask Him to forgive you for your shortcomings and accept the sacrifice that Christ made for your forgiveness. That is all it takes to receive the gift of life.
   If you do, share that with us and we will help you find God’s plan for you life. Remember the promise God made through the prophet Jeremiah;

   Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

   EDDIE MACDONALD CONTINUES HIS HOT STREAK
- Eddie MacDonald showed up at Adirondack fresh off his win in the Oxford 250 and nailed down the pole for the The Edge Hotel 150 presented by Casella Waste Systems at Adirondack International Speedway. He dominated the race leading the most laps, 101, but on a late race restart got shuffled back to tenth.
   Oxford is one of those races that every aspiring driver hope to compete in and maybe get to victory lane. Do you remember standing in your driveway, basketball in hand, you mimic the voice of the announcer as you count down the closing seconds, 5,4 3, 2….. he shoots, he scores!!!!!!!!! The crowd goes wild. That was the scene in victory lane; you could see it on Eddie’s and Rollie’s faces as they celebrated in victory lane. This one was the one that dreams were made of.
   For a group of guys who have more commitment than resources I can’t think of a better example of working together for a common goal. These guys have sacrificed and worked to get here. It is wonderful to see the hard work pay off, congratulations to everyone connected with the team.

   STATE TROOPERS ARE RACE FANS - Weather played havoc with everyone’s travel plans and Jesus Hernandez was no exception. Car owner Troy Williams had to step in practice the car and run qualifying as Jesus tried to get to the track. They were on the last leg of their journey when they pushed the speed envelope a little too much for the the New York State Troopers. I believe it was 80+ in a 35 zone. WOW, here comes the hammer! Not to be on this day. Maybe it was the name Jesus and the fact that he was changing into his driving uniform in the back seat or just the fact that the trooper was a race fan but they were allowed to make it to the track without visiting the local lockup. Racing with Jesus!

   WIRE TO WIRE AT RIVERHEAD - On a track that is one of the toughest to pass on, getting out front is a distinct advantage. That point didn’t escape young Ryan Preece as he laid down a blistering 12.001 qualifying lap to secure the pole. They lined up for the feature just as they qualified and that was all Ryan needed to keep Ole Blue out front. He had the field covered on every restart and never lost the lead. When you lead 150 of 150 laps the next stop is victory lane. Congratulations to the entire #3 Team.
   Pastor Scott, Riverhead RWJM Chaplain, joined me and preached his first message at a RWJM Chapel service. He was received well and everyone was complimentary of the word he brought. If you happen to make Riverhead your home let Scott know how much you appreciate the work he does there each week.
   The qualifying format was tweaked a little bit this year for Riverhead and I think we are getting closer to something the teams can live with. We ran the traditional time trials with the top 16 cars qualifying for the feature and lining up based on that time. The change is that they didn’t need to go back out and run a heat race. The remainder of the cars ran a 25 lap heat race with the top 7 transferring to the feature. The remaining 5 spots were filled by provisional. To balance out the tire situation the cars that ran the heat race were allowed to change two tires for the feature if they wanted to.
   Riverhead still is a popular stop on the tour, 32 cars showed up for 28 starting spots. Everyone got to race at least 27 laps but in the end 4 cars went home. The toughest pill to swallow came for young Erick Rudolph, winner at Spencer, headed home from Riverhead. It was his first time at the famed Quarter mile and he just needed a few more laps to figure it out.

   INDY WEEKEND CLOSES OUT WITH THE REDBUD 300 - The Anderson Speedway CRA Redbud 300 is the final race for the Big Race Week in Indy. Kyle Busch came out and showed why short tracks are his favorite. This is the postponed race where Curt Stein was severely injured in a tire accident at the beginning of June. Curt was released from the hospital a couple of weeks ago, after a six week stay. Continue to pray for his arm and leg as he continues to heal. Also, Dangerous Dan – Anderson ’s trackside announcer – asks for prayer for his girlfriend Crystal. She is already a cancer survivor, and now faces another challenge as the doctors investigate a lump in her throat. Kyle showed Anderson what he could do in a late model and had no problem taking the lead and holding it pretty much the entire time. It was a festive Victory lane complete with Kyle’s four-footed family members attending too. I think Kyle likes the quarter mile. – Chuck reported.

   DYNAMIC DUO REUNITED - The Whelen Modified Tour returns to Stafford Motor Speedway this week for their annual August visit and the Dan and Don Show will be back together. After a few weeks that had us traveling in different directions Dan and I will be headed to Connecticut this week. Dan will have the newly updated Bolles Pace Car, thanks go out to Chris Z. for the work, stop by and take a look. See you at the track.

   Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and apparel. See them at the Online Apparel Store at www.RWJM.org. Call us with your prayer and counseling needs and list all your prayer needs, no matter what part of our racing family you are in, with the Racing Family Prayer Request Page www.rwjm.org/page/prayers.php also send your prayer request by mail. Until next time, 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. Check our weekly printed pages in "Area Auto Racing News", the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper" See our on-line Apparel Store for subscription information. Check our home page www.rwjm.org for past articles. We invite you to input your thoughts as you sign our Guest Book. Please remember, we can only do what we do because of your prayerful financial support.

   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


CHECKERED CHEERS


***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***

August 6
RICH and PAT DURANTI
- This LM driver from the Waterford Speedbowl and his wife celebrate 32 years of marriage.

August 7
SCOTT & HEATHER PUNCH
- This NNC crewman and wife in Claremont , NC have their 9th anniversary.

August 10
CLIFF KULIKOWSKI & SUSAN ZINSMEISTER
- This Christian brother now Atlanta , GA commercial Direct TV dealer, Atlanta Antenna, transplanted from Brooklyn , NY tied the knot.

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***

August 5
DON SCERENCITS
- Northampton, PA AARN Subscrition Sales Field Rep.
KIP STOCKWELL - Vermont based NASCAR CWES/late model driver and now farmer.
RICH WOODLAND, JR. - Templeton, CA NASCAR West driver.
KEVIN LITTLEFIELD - Salem, NH fabricator/crewman on the former #77 NASCAR BES team.
JACK FLOWERS - Charlotte, NC NSC writer.
KYLE GUENNETTE - Son of Fairfield , CT fan "Fast Eddie" is 18.
ELISABETH MINTER - A daughter of Martinsville , VA WODY Radio's "Uncle Wendell" and wife Deloris is 17.

August 6
EDDIE MARSHALL
- NY D.I.R.T. Modified driver.
CRAIG RAUDMAN - Redding , CA NASCAR West driver.
JEB BURTON - Son of former NNC driver Ward and wife Tabitha is 15.
DEBBIE DIONNE - Wife of Gary, both of Acton, CA RWJM Counselors and Gary a Hollywood car stuntman and RWJM West Coast Coordinator.

August 7
BRUCE D'ALLESANDRO
- East Hartford, CT former Riverside Park and NASCAR WMT driver.
AL HANNA - CT based alchohol Funny Car driver.
RICHIE YANETTA, Sr. - Of Bridgewater , NJ, the father of Go-Kart drivers Rich, Jr. and Jeff.

August 8
JACK SPRAGUE
- Concord , NC NSC/NNS/CTS driver.
CHARLIE PASTERYAK - Lisbon , CT NASCAR WMT driver/owner.
LORIN ARTHOFER - Bath, PA Mahoning Valley Speedway based Modified driver and proud dad of driver Jason.
TOMMY ELLIS - Retired Richmond, VA BGN driver.
GREG TOMAINO - Brother of Howell , NJ popular NASCAR WMT driver Jamie Tomaino.
SAMANTHA HOWARD - A daughter of retired Waterford Speedbowl LM driver Tom and wife Carol.
JERRY TOMARCHIO - Former driver at East Windsor and Flemington.
BRIANNA PAGE - This quarter midget driver at the Garden State Quarter Midget Race Club at the Wall Township Speedway is 13.
MICHAEL DRANSFIELD - Another Garden State Quarter Midget racer is 18.

August 9
CHRIS KOPEC
- Massachusetts Flamingo Racing NASCAR WMT Cheif and former driver.
BRITTANY TOMAINO - Howell, NJ NASCAR WMT driver Jamie and wife Cheryl's daughter.

August 10
DON NEUENBERGER
- Fort Washington, PA former NASCAR driver.
CHRIS URBAN - The grandson of Bob Pratt and grandson of Richie Pratt, Sr.
JOHN TEMCHAK - Canterbury , NH NHIS Victory Lane Staff Member.

August 11
FRANKIE SCHNEIDER
- The "Master of Dirt Modifieds" from the 1950's through early 80's is now retired. God Bless, Frankie.
ED ZWICKEL - "Bubba" drives the late Model #1 at Riverhead Raceway and is said to have the best BBQ in town; at least in the pits.
KEN WALLACE - Dallas, PA SCCA driver.

*** NEW BEGINNINGS ***

LUCY STAKEY
- 74, of Southington , CT passed away at home on Friday, July 31, 2009. She was the wife for 50 years of Kenneth “Buddy” Stakey. Besides her husband she is survived by a daughter Crystal and husband Joseph Dudac, a son Clifford and wife Lorna Stakey all of Southington, Her son Cliff has been a member of the Stafford Speedway racing community for over 30 years. Kenneth "Buddy" Stakey, Lucy's husband, has been at his side the entire journey. Cards can be sent to Cliff & Lorna, as well as any cards to Buddy, at 217 Flanders Road , Southington , CT 06489

DAN BETZ - Dan Betz was killed in a motorcycle accident on Saturday afternoon. He was a crew member for Paul Frantz since 2002. Paul had this to say about his friend; I first met him in 2001. His son Duane, who also helps me, and I work together. From the day I met Dan, he treated me like I was a member of his family. He could always lighten the air in the garage or at the track. He was only a few years from retirement, but he was always on the go and would do anything to help. He and Duane started helping me in mid 2002 after coming up to watch me race. I won that night and they've been hooked since. He is survived by his wife Myrtle, son Duane, daughter Audra, brothers, sister, grandchildren and one more granddaughter on the way. Please keep his family in prayer. He will be greatly missed. Cards can be sent to his wife and family at; 1548 N 27th Street, Allentown , PA 18104

SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:

RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084


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SourceRev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: August 6, 2009

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