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11/19/2009
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THANKFUL FOR A
GUIDING SPIRIT
by
Rev. Don Rivers |
Life is full of temptations, challenges, difficulties and decisions. Do we
have someone guiding us through or are we trying to get through it on our
own? Is there someone waking beside us? Who is spotting for you on the road
of Life? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The other day I was standing behind the grandstands talking with a
friend waiting for the Modifieds to take the track for practice. I wasn’t
sure what the schedule was but when I started to see the stream of spotters
walk by with the tools of their trade in their hand I knew the time was
close.
A spotter’s tools are simple; a good set of eyes to be able to
watch what is happening, good judgment about how to advise the driver and a
way to communicate to the driver. We can all watch but a good spotter sees
difficulty coming before it happens. Some things that happen need to be
communicated to the driver some don’t. A good spotter doesn’t overload the
driver with information that they don’t need to run the race. The third
thing a good spotter needs is a way to communicate to the driver. Just
having a radio and taking into the mike doesn’t qualify. The spotter and the
driver need to speak the same language they need not only to hear each other
but to understand what the other means.
Look at it this way, when the spotter says “inside” does that mean
go inside or go outside? It could mean either, that is up to the spotter and
driver. The driver and the spotter develop a language all their own and
develop an understanding of each other so that they can communicate with
each other. When that works, things go well. When it doesn’t it usually
means disaster. Over the past few weeks I have seen it happen several times
when a car runs into a wreck and the announcer says “his spotter didn’t warn
him.” With our ability to listen to the driver/spotter communications, we
know if it is true. It isn’t always that cut and dry though. Sometimes there
just isn’t enough time. Sometimes the driver doesn’t listen.
One of the rules in racing is that when you are on the track you
need a spotter. Wouldn’t it be great to have a spotter for life also? God
provided that in our parents but let’s face it we really don’t pay that much
attention to them, do we? We need someone who is in our ear, living inside
us and guiding us in the right path. God has provided a spotter for us all;
his name is The Holy Spirit. Listen to what Jesus says about the Spirit;
John 14:16-18, 25-27, (Jesus
answered) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor
to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him,
because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives
with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to
you.
"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor,
the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all
things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave
with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do
not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
In addition, we read in the book of Acts;
Acts 5:5, And hope does not
disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the
Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
The Holy Spirit is given to us to guide our heart in the paths that
are right. I am reminded of the cartoon with the devil on one shoulder and
the angel on the other. This is a good illustration of what happens when the
Spirit becomes our spotter. He guides us with the right advice, but there is
that other voice. That voice inside us that tells us something different,
something not of God. Which voice do we follow? Which guidance do we take?
To answer that question it is helpful to have another type of
spotter in your life. Someone who will hold you accountable to the choices
you make. Someone trust worthy, someone who loves you, someone who would lay
down their life for you, a true friend.
We need this kind of spotter in our lives also. This spotter’s job
is much the same as a race spotter. We can ignore the voice of the Spirit
and make wrong choices. But they look out ahead and spot the trouble before
we see it. They talk to us and guide us around the difficulty. They want us
to finish the race of life in the best possible condition.
We need to have The Holy Spirit as our guide. We receive The Holy
Spirit when we ask Jesus to come into our heart. When we seek forgiveness
from God for our shortcomings and accept the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
When we ask God for that He sends The Holy Spirit to live in our heart, to
guide us in the paths that are right, to counsel us, to show us the truth.
I am thankful that God cares about me enough to send a spotter to
guide me. Do you have The Holy Spirit in your heart? You can. He will be a
spotter that will never leave you. Ask God today to send Him and God will
honor that request and send Him. The key component is asking with sincerity
in your heart; you have to want to.
Seek out the guidance of The Holy Spirit today. Accept the
sacrifice Jesus made for you and ask God to forgive your sin. If your heart
is sincere the transaction is done, your life has changed.
I would ask that you share that with us so that we can rejoice with
you. We can also help and guide you along the road. We will come along side
you and walk with you through life. We will help you through the
difficulties. We will do our best to help you figure out life and learn how
to live it to the fullest. God Bless, Rev. Don
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS - This year marked a couple of changes to
the banquets, one they were held in North Carolina, two, they were held as
one combined celebration. Rev. Dan and his wife Deb made the trip. Dan
shared these comments; it was long but not boring. There were some kinks
that will need to be worked out, but that can be expected with a first year
event. The food was good and the company was great.
We want to thank all our friends in the Charlotte area that help us
defer the costs associated with our trips down. Special thanks to Warren and
Denise Hamilton for opening up their home. It is nice to have a home away
from home.
SCHEDULES ARE OUT - As part of the Champions celebration the
schedules have been released. Looks like the Camping World East and the
Whelen Modified Tour will have a few race dates together. Martinsville and
Lime Rock will be companion events for these two touring divisions.
Lime Rock Park is no stranger to open wheel racing but it has been
a few years since the Modifieds have graced the historic Connecticut road
course. Earlier this year the True Value Modifieds tested at the track but
they ran counterclockwise. Word is that the Mods will run clockwise.
The road course presents a few changes, one the fuel will have to
be filled from the right side as the cars will pit right side in. The other
change will be left and right turns. Adjustments will have to be made to
allow the cars to turn both ways.
The Modifieds will also return to Bristol. This should be an
interesting race as the teams now have some experience there. I am looking
forward to that second groove coming in.
The Camping World East Series will return to a couple of tracks
they have run in the past, Martinsville and Lee, NH. They also added a new
track in Georgia, a high banked half mile, Gresham Motorsports Park in
Jefferson. I think we will have to fly to that one!
I am glad to see the return to Lee, the series always put on a good
show at Red’s place. I am also glad to see the race in July. I remember the
days when we headed north to open the season at Lee. It could get pretty
cold and white. The addition makes it three trips to the White Mountains
this year, sounds good to me.
ANDERSON BANQUET REPORT - The Anderson Speedway 2009 Annual
banquet and awards night crowned the division champions in the top divisions
and honored those drivers displaying the greatest sportsmanship and those
with the greatest dedication to their respective divisions.
This was the 30th Banquet in a row for Master of Ceremonies and
track announcer Denny Adams. Denny also has the Newcastle Christmas Parade
this Saturday, where apparently he helps some red-suited elf out. Bring your
race cars for this parade – all are welcome. Denny is noted for his weekly
invocation that starts the night off right, honoring our Creator and Savior.
Rookie of the year, Josh Poore, was not just honored for that
title, but also pulled in 8th as driver/owner in both the WMDH Thundercar
and the ImmediaDent Figure 8. He also pulled in 4th and 2nd respectively in
those divisions as car owner.
You can see all the results at
www.andersonspeedway.com.
Track owner/CEO Rick Dawson also had a heartfelt word at the
conclusion of the banquet. He pointed out the proof, in his mind, of God’s
presence. Both he and the track faced a pretty tough year, with the economy,
especially locally. Not only did Anderson get by, but we celebrated a great
season, with just the right folks coming to offer help at just the right
times. He also pointed to some great prospects for 2010.
• The Speedway is set for National Television Broadcast exposure three
times already.
• The Redbud 300 will see Kyle Busch return – this time, purportedly with
some of his friends – I can’t say who, but stay tuned…
• Lion’s Family Festival Week returns
• Ultimate Fighting Matches – a first for the track.
Only 48 days until the Indiana version of the Ice Breaker – the New
Years Day Bash…
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***
November 20
RON & LYNN HEDGER - This upstate NY NSS writer and wife share their
anniversary.
KRISTOFER & STEPHANIE SMITH - He a former CWES crewmember and She a
former media center worker at NHMS were married this day in 2004.
November 21
JOE & ANDREA NEMECHEK - The Lakeland, FL NASCAR driver and wife have
their 15th anniversary.
WALT & MARSHA DYER - The owners of the Lance Dewease driven Pennsy
Sprint No. 461 have their 56th anniversary.
November 22
CARL (Bugs Stevens) & DORIS BERGHMAN - This retired Modified champion of
Rehoboth, MA; parents of current Prostock driver Dave Berghman, have their
49th anniversary.
DICK & NANCY CLARK - The veteran Long Island NASCAR WMT driver and
wife have their special day.
MICHAEL & CAROL PARES - This "Area Auto Racing News" NASCAR Whelen
Mod Series photographer and wife from Wayne, NJ share their 29th
anniversary.
November 23
LEO & CLAYLENE ADAMS - This Pomfret, CT Pro Tour Truck driver and wife
have their 32nd anniversary.
JASON & STACEY KOHLER - This Fleetwood, PA Micro Sprint driver and
wife have their special day.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
November 18
SCOTT WALTERS - Louisville, KY NASCAR driver.
RICH BURGDOFF - NASCAR Cup official.
ELISEO SALAZAR - Santiago, Chile IRL driver.
JOHN KATANIA - Son of CT Mod owner Joe, graphics artist and SK Mod
driver.
November 19
RON BURNS - Phoenix, AZ NASCAR West driver.
November 20
PETE MORGANTINI - West Pittston, PA NASCAR Mod driver, son of engine
builder Lou.
ANDY BELMONT - ARCA driver/ New Egypt co-promoter.
ACE LANE, JR. - Legendary New Jersey photographer.
November 21
BILLY DECKER - Franklin, NY DIRT Mod driver.
TOBY PORTER - Greenville, SC NASCAR driver.
TRAVIS CARTER - Veteran NNC team owner.
JIMMY MILO - Southington, CT AARN columnist and head of Stafford
Motor Speedway's Safety Team.
AIMEE BARKER - Daughter and Team Crew member on dad Bob "Mad Dog"
Barker's 8NY Legend out of Staten Island.
BILLY "The Kid" BARKER - Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club, Staten
Island, NY.
November 22
BRENDA HIRSCHMAN - The wife of Northampton, PA NASCAR WMT driver Tony
and Mother of Mod driver Matt.
LUCY CHRISTOPHER - Plainville, CT Bill's wife and mom of famous
racing twins Ted and Mike.
DR. CHRIS WIBBELSMAN - Eldest son of Gainesville, FL RWJM Advisor
Dick and wife Judy, living in Dayton, OH.
DOREENE EMHOFF - Wife of Bill and mother of Matt, both crew members
on Art Barry's #21 WMT team.
MAYNARD TROYER - Rochester, NY chassis builder and retired Modified
driving great.
J.C. "SUITCASE" ELDER - Veteran NSC Crew Chief.
TOMMY GAVINE - Proprietor of Stafford Springs, CT Fyne Lyne
Fabrication.
November 23
RICK CLONCH - E. Smithfield, PA NASCAR CWES driver.
RON BOUCHARD - Fitchburg, MA retired NSC driver.
PATRICK O'BRIEN - A son of Tammy Longacre in Boyertwon, PA is 10.
KEVIN OKULA - Son of Wayne,Team manager for the #28 King Racing
Modified and Charger Driver for #67 - Riverhead Raceway & Sharon.
November 24
DOUG MESERVEY - Chatham, MA NASCAR CWES/NASCAR WMT driver.
BUDDY PARROTT - NSC Crew Chief
DAN WALKER - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway PR Director.
ADAM HEDGER - NASCAR Cup official son of Williamson, NY Mod driver
Randy and wife Lynda.
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: November
19, 2009 |
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