Have you ever wondered why the world we live in is falling apart? The
correct term is self destructing. That right, the more selfish we get the
more we destroy the world around us. Sometimes it is important to stand up
and be counted, make a statement for what is right, true and honorable.
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As I watched the news this week I was surprised to find Morgan
Shepherd’s name in the headlines. It catches your attention when a driver is
mentioned in the non-racing press, especially with the series in Las Vegas.
What followed was a great example of courage that should be an encouragement
to all of us. Don’t just sit on the sideline, get into the game.
Thanks to the folks at Faith Motorsports for providing the details.
Morgan Shepherd was headed to Wal-Mart with his wife to pick up a
few things. He didn’t intend to pick up a thief. As they approached the
store three men were leaving at a high rate of speed with security on their
tail.
This wasn’t their lucky day. Most men Morgan’s age would be on the
other side of the door greeting you as you walked into Wal-Mart, not Morgan.
He is physically fit, a daily jogger and an accomplished roller skater. He
is also an unashamed Christian and has spent many years proclaiming the
saving faith we have in Jesus Christ.
His commitment to Christ and his desire to see the truth told
inspired him to spring into action.
"I just got out and took off after them," Shepherd said. "I caught
one of them just as they were getting ready to hop a little wall at the end
of the parking lot. I yanked him down and got on top of him."
As he restrained one of the three, a Las Vegas Police officer
tossed him some handcuffs, asked Morgan to cuff him and keep him there while
they chased down the other two. No problem, he wasn’t going anywhere.
Now what do you say to a teenager that was just chased down by a 69
year old? I wonder if his pants were on the ground? It is probably difficult
to run when your pants are falling down. Now there’s a lesson for all you
would be thieves.
"I didn't tell him a 69-year-old man chased him down," Shepherd
joked. "He was probably 18 or 19. I told him he shouldn't be stealing stuff.
There is just too much of this stuff going on."
Morgan didn’t have the heart to tell him he had just been caught,
restrained and cuffed by a 69 year old. Instead he lectured the young man
about stealing stuff. He encouraged him to change the direction his life was
going. I am sure, if I know Morgan, there was also a witness to the saving
grace of Jesus.
We all have teachable moments in our lives and it is important to
recognize them when they happen. My prayer would be that this young fellow
would turn from his criminal activity and let Christ change his life.
There is a teachable moment for us also.
"So many people these days would just sit and watch those guys run
away," Shepherd said. "People need to get up and help stop this type of
stuff."
What would have happened to us if Christ decided to sit on the
sideline? What if he decided we weren’t worth the effort and he remained in
heaven? We read in Scripture that even on that last night he had a desire
that this cup would pass from him.
If that was the case we would have no hope. We would be lost in our
sin and be faced with standing before God without a Savior. Jesus came, gave
his life and offered it to God as a sacrifice for our sins. He only asked us
to accept the gift.
As Jesus and his disciples sat and ate their last meal together
Jesus shared with them what was going to take place. They were distraught
and confused, how could this be. Some pledged their very life to keep it
from being a reality. When the time came they didn’t have the strength and
courage to stand up for Christ.
We need to be more than observers in our Christian walk. We need to
get up off the sidelines and make the effort necessary to show others how
much Christ loves them. We need to stop thinking it is someone else’s job.
I am sure Morgan could have come up with a more than enough reasons
why he didn’t need to help chase those thieves. But I think there was one
reason he had to, that young man needed to know about the love of Christ.
We don’t always get the chance to chase people down, handcuff and
restrain them to hear the message but sometimes that is what it takes. Why
do you suppose Christ endured so much to show His love for us?
He came to set an example, to show us how to live the right life.
He taught us what was valuable to God. He helped get beyond our physical
limitations. He loved us so much that he gave his life for us. He showed us
the way.
John 14:6;
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
How
are we doing in the example we set for others? Are we willing to jump into
action and change the world we live in? Are we willing to sacrifice our very
life so that someone might know the love of God? Think about that this week
as we begin our preparation for the coming Easter season.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
WAITING FOR THE BLESSED EVENT - Not much road work on
the schedule for the next few weeks. Lynda and I are preparing for one of
the greatest gifts God has to offer, the birth of a child. Our daughter
Elisabeth, who some of you have met at the track, and her husband Joe have
March 17 circled on the calendar. I must say the thought of being a
grandfather wasn’t all that appealing to me a few months ago but I am
excited about it now. Madeline is schedule to appear on the scene soon and
Lynda and I cannot wait. Please lift Elisabeth up in prayer as she endures
these last few weeks. Also add Joe to the list as their life is about to
change forever.
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. 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.
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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
CHECKERED CHEERS
***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***
March 11
JOSEPH AND ALICE FERGUSON- The proprietor of Ferguson Painting and
Decorating and wife; fans from Howard, PA celebrate their 35th anniversary.
March 14
MARK & AUDREY MOCKOVAC- The Danbury, CT based Modified Racing Series Media
Coordiantor and wife/ Claremont Modified driver (Audrey Stevens) share their
14th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
March 9
CRAIG KEEL- WoO Sprint driver.
WARREN FRYE- "Jeep" is the Delaware based owner of the Bunky Higbee No. 26,
rememberd for multiple feature wins.
March 10
MIKE WALLACE- The driving middle brother of the famous racing Wallace's with
Kenny and Rusty.
DEAN CHRYSTAL- Milford, ME NASCAR KNPSE driver/ Graphics specialist.
ALFRED HILL- NC Modified driver.
MATT EMHOFF- York, Maine. He is a member of Ken and Art Barry's crew on the
Spearpoint Racing team.
RAQUEL RIOLO- Daughter of Stafford LM driver Joe and wife Brenda.
March 11
JOE GOSEK- NY based ISMA SuperModified driver.
HAL GOODSON- Darlington, SC All Pro driver.
BRIAN CRUNDEN- Connecticut ProStock driver.
DAVE BURNHAM- CT based LM driver.
VALARIE LeSIEUR- Daughter of former Speedway Scene Publisher, Val.
DAN BURY- Upstate NY photographer.
JOHN LANE- A son of NJ photographer Ace.
CAROL PARES- Wife of "Area Auto Racing News" NASCAR Mod Series photographer
Mike of Wayne, NJ.
FAITH THUNBERG - wife of Susquehanna Street Stock driver Scott Thunberg.
March 12
BOB HABERSTICK- Wall Township Speedway driver.
TODD MASSEY- Haw River, NC LMSC driver.
March 13
GREG COVERDALE- Milford, DE URC Sprint driver.
JEFF SPRAKER- Latham, NY NASCAR/ARCA Owner.
LYN ST. JAMES- Willoughby, OH born, now Daytona Beach, FL IRL driver.
SCOTT BONNEY- Lee Speedway (NH) LM driver.
RANDY KANE- Selinsgrove and Clinton County Pit Steward.
JASON KOHLER- Fleetwood, PA MicroSprint driver.
CRYSTAL SANSEVERINO- A daughter of Hillsborough, NC photographer Ed and wife
Linda.
HALEY THUNBERG - Daughter of Susquehanna Street Stock (1998 & 2009) track
champ Scott Thunberg.
March 14
JACK BATEMEN- NH Valenti Modified Series Promotor/driver/team owner.
PAT PUNCH- In Newton, NC, the wife of Brewco NNS Team manager, Dennis, who
is the brother of TV's Dr. Jerry.
ERIN & KARRI LARSEN- The twin daughters of NASCAR Mod Tour official Joe.
March 15
DEVIN HILTS- Brushton,NY go-kart driver.
PAT D'ANTONIO- Tuscon,AZ NASCAR West driver.
ROBBY PAGE- A young quarter midget driver.
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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