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9/24/2009
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HOW'S YOUR BACK
by
Rev. Don Rivers |
Rev. Dan brought an important message to both the Camping World East and
Whelen Modified divisions at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He asked the
question, are we willing to carry someone’s burden? Greetings in the name of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Racing isn’t easy. There are difficulties around each turn. It
would be great if all you had to concern yourself with was getting your car
setup for the race. Today we have to worry about many other things. We think
we have it hard. I remember a talk given by Dale Inman, former crew chief
for Petty Enterprises. His title, “It hasn’t always been this easy.”
He spoke of the days when you drove the actual race car to the
track, sounds easy enough. Well how about when the track is in California
and you are in North Carolina ? Not only that but the seat have been removed
for weight; you have a piece of plywood for a back seat and you share the
ride with all the tools, jack and spare parts. The motor under the hood is
the race motor and you have to baby it for the first 500 mile to make sure
it wears in right. You don’t have the benefit of a speedometer and meet with
the local law enforcement types no short of 10 times each way. It hasn’t
always been this easy!
I am encouraged when I see teams rally to help other teams who face
difficulties at the track. I know of several occasions when parts were lent
or crewmembers worked on a competitor’s car to help them get ready in time.
I remember just recently watching an engine being carried and installed by
several “helpers” when time and space would not allow a more conventional
way to move it. Why, because we want to race. We want the opportunity to win
out on the track, not in the garage. We want everyone to have a chance to
race.
We also face difficult times in life. Difficulties have a way of
finding us when we least can afford it. We think we are prepared but we find
we are not. What is the right way to respond when we see someone going
through a difficult time? Listen to what the Paul says in Galatians;
Galatians 6:2-3, Share each
other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you
are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are
not that important.
When we help someone who is going through a tough time we are
obedient to God. We honor God when we sacrifice our time, resources and
abilities to help someone in need. Have you ever reached out and helped
someone?
I wouldn’t be the man I am today if someone didn’t reach out to me
in my time of need. His name is Steve and he was always willing to help in
any way he could. He never asked for anything back, he only said when you
have what someone needs give it. His willingness to give and his attitude
toward giving came right from God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 8:10-15; And
here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you
were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now
finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by
your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is
there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to
what he does not have.
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard
pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty
will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what
you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered
much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too
little."
There are many lessons for us to learn in these verses but for now
we need to understand that some of us have a surplus while others have
needs. We need to recognize the burdens of others and be willing to give
freely. Remember it is the effort that matters not the size of the gift.
So let me ask you, how is your back? Are we willing to carry
someone’s burden? Are we willing to let go of our time, talents and
possessions so that we might relieve the pain of someone? I can tell you
this, Christ was.
Christ left his throne in Heaven, set aside his attributes as God
and became man. He came to dwell with us and serve us. He carried our
burdens to the cross and nailed them there. We are forgiven because Christ
came and took the burden of our sin. Paul reminds us that our attitude
should be the same as Christ’s.
Look back at the first passage we read, if you think you are above
helping someone you are a fool, you are not that important. Christ didn’t
think of Himself that important to come and give His life for you.
Take a look around I think you might be able to find someone who
has a burden or two. Give of yourself to help that person. When you do you
honor God and are obedient to His Law. When you think it is beneath you
remember, you are just not that important.
Philippians 2:5-8; Your
attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature[ God, did not consider equality with God something
to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a
servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a
man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
TWO OUT OF THREE AIN’T BAD - Eddie MacDonald had a tall task
entering the weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He was entered in
three of the five races and had a better than average chance in two of them.
He came home with two wins and a bruised car. Eddie continued his dominance
at NHMS by winning the Friday race for the Camping World East Series. He did
so as the last available light faded away. As he rolled into Victory Lane to
lone light on the grandstand illuminated a dark track. With his victory
Eddie closed the gap on point leader Ryan Truex by twenty points. He trails
by just thirty heading to the season ending race next Friday at Dover .
Saturday found Eddie up early and on the track in his ACT late
model for their practice session then jumping into his Whelen Modified Tour
ride for their last practice session. He did more driving before breakfast
than I do.
I talked with him a little on Friday about his Modified ride and he
shared that he was subbing in the ride for Andy Seuss who was at Caraway
driving on the Whelen Southern Modified Tour. He hoped his learning curve in
the modified would be quick enough for him to make a good showing. He didn’t
fair so well, driving it in too deep and clipped the wall, ending his run at
three wins. I think Andy will forgive him; after all Andy won the race at
Caraway for his forth victory of the season on the southern tour and inched
closer to the point lead.
He still had one more to go, closing out Saturday night with the
inaugural ACT Invitational, a who’s who of Late Model drivers from the
Northeast and Canada . Eddie faired much better with four fenders as he
drove back to Victory Lane as he did the night before just as the light of
day was fading away.
All in all it was a successful weekend for the MacDonald family and
heading to Dover with a shot at the Championship doesn’t hurt either.
WOW, AND IT WAS TELEVISED - In what has become the most
anticipated race of the weekend, the Whelen Modified Tour race on Saturday
afternoon left no doubt why we watch. Ronnie Silk made a last lap pass for
the lead and won the New Hampshire 100. A few short weeks ago he stepped out
of his tour ride and folks wondered where he would land. He landed in
Victory Lane driving as part of a two car entry belonging to Eddie
Partridge.
Eddie’s team had its share of changes recently as Jimmy Blewett
relinquished his ride to focus more time on family and the family business.
When asked what, if any, effect the changes had Eddie shared his food bill
was smaller. With his two car team qualifying second and third Eddie liked
his chances in this one.
One thing to note after the large rating the Bristol race received
Speed Channel decided to televise the Whelen Modified Tour race on a fifteen
minute delay instead of a thirty day delay. The audience is growing! I heard
from some friends who have never been to a race and live just ten minutes
north of NHMS in Belmont . They watched and were amazed. There comment. “We
have to go see one of these races live.” What a tremendous opportunity to
showcase some of the best racing you will see. Thank you Speed Channel. Now
if we can get them to stop cutting out the invocation and the National
Anthem we’ll be all set.
BACK TO BRISTOL - It was announced at NHMS that the Whelen
Modified Tour would return to Bristol in 2010. We are seeing many
encouraging signs for the WMT recently and I for one am glad that plans are
being solidified at great venues for these awesome race cars.
ANOTHER DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND - This week finds us traveling
to Dover and Martinsville . Friday we close out the Camping World East
Schedule at Dover and then it’s off to Martinsville for the Whelen Modified
Tour. We may have to stop by South Boston to catch the Saturday night show
because you know you can’t get to much racing.
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***
September 24
JIM & MARIE BARNES - These Long Island race fans celebrate 22 years
together.
September 25
ED & GINNY PERRY - This Rehoboth, MA faithful NEMA and Seekonk Speedway
couple have their 36th anniversary.
September 27
BRAD & LINDA HIETALA - The proprietor of Reliable Welding in Enfield,
CT/ Stafford Motor Speedway NASCAR Mod driver and wife have their
anniversary.
JEFF & JENNIFER PEARL - This Waterford Speedbowl Modified driver from
Colchester, CT and wife share their 10th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
September 23
TOMMY SIGMON - Hickory, NC LMSC driver.
BILLY LAWSON - NC Modified driver.
TYCE CARLSON - Indianapolis, IN IRL driver.
September 24
BOB CRAMER - NJ asphalt Modified driver.
GLENN ALLEN, JR. - Cincinnati, OH NNS driver.
COREY LaJOIE - Son of Norwalk, CT Joie of Seating founder/owner and
NNS driver Randy and wife Lisa is now driving in the CWES.
ROB BRANNON - Canterbury, CT, Betty Evans son, lead singer, guitarist
for Christian Rock group "WARFARE".
September 25
STEVE SULLIVAN - Crew Chief for the former NASCAR CWES team driven by
Kelly Moore.
SCOTT PUNCH - NNS crewman son of Newton, NC Wolfhead Oil NNS Team
manager Dennis and wife Pat.
BRITTANY MUHA - Tom's River, NJ Quarter Midget driver.
September 26
JOE NEMECHEK - Lakeland, FL Sprint Cup driver.
PAUL DURANT - Manteca, CA IRL driver.
LINDA AUSTIN - Scorer for the NASCAR CWES #5 team owned by Barney
McRae.
SHERI FULLER - Wife of No. Boylston, MA former NASCAR WMT team owner,
Bobby, one of the famous Fuller racing brothers.
CLAY PURVIS - Son of Clarksville, TN NNS driver Jeff and wife Susan
is 18.
MARY BETH WIBBELSMAN - The grown-up daughter of RWJM Advisor Dick and
Counselor wife Judy of Gainesville, FL.
September 27
WARREN ALSTON - A friend of RWJM and Christian brother.
BERT MARVIN - Colchester, CT Modified driver.
DAN ORBST - Potland, OR NASCAR West driver.
BRUCE TAYLOR - Seekonk, MA NASCAR WMT and ProStock driver.
JOE TRUDEAU - Chaplin, CT retired Modified driver.
DOREEN COLSON - Wife of Leominster, MA ProStock driver Fran.
JUSTIN CUSACK - Son of Beech Ridge Motor Speedway President Glenn.
KRISTEN MONTVILLE - The daughter of Solhem Racing NASCAR CWES/NASCAR
WMT crewman Chuck is 19.
PAM KRAUSE - The wife of AARN's Assistant to the Editor/ Columnist,
Earl.
September 28
KIM BAKER - Road Racer, part-time NASCAR CWES driver from Springfield,
MA.
JACKIE ARUTE - The President of Stafford Motor Speedway and TV Sports
announcer.
TYLER LEWIS - The son of Holland Speedway Charger Driver Mark and
brother of Mark's Crew chief son Christopher.
September 29
PAUL RADFORD - The legendary "Ferrum Flash" Modified and LMSC driver
from Ferrum, VA.
TIFFANY BRODERICK - The youngest daughter of Brookfield, CT NASCAR
Modified driver Jim and Debbie.
BRENDA BLAIN - Wife of South Killingly, CT ProStock driver David.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
TheChromeHorn RWJM Archives
Racing With Jesus Ministries Website
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Source: Rev
Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: September
24, 2009 |
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