As I shared last week we had a tragedy at Emmanuel Baptist Church and lost a
great friend and servant. Along with that loss comes the opportunity to help
others find their way in life. I spent most of my week ministering to John’s
family and friends. One of the questions I asked was, “In who’s hands have
put your life?” Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I share with you again the need to make a decision and accept the
gift of salvation that God offers us through Jesus. He is worthy of our
trust. We do not know the timing of things that will happen in our lives,
don’t put it off, you may not have an opportunity to make things right with
God before your time on earth reaches its end.
In racing we put our trust in the hands of many people; our crew,
other drivers, track safety workers, officials and the like. We sometimes
trust so much that we put our lives in danger without even knowing it. Who
should we trust with our lives?
As I sat at a stop sign the other day I thought, “Does that person
look like they are going to stop or should I wait and see?” It hit me that
everyday we put out lives in the hands of others. People we don’t even know
are entrusted with our lives. We take so much for granted. When you stop and
think about it, the level of trust we put in others can be overwhelming. Why
is it that we are willing to trust so many things in our lives to people or
things that will eventually fail us but we are unwilling to trust the one
person in the entire world that will never fail? In who’s hands is our life?
You see God has a plan for each of us, but if we refuse to let Him
guide our lives then we miss out on His blessings. We think we know how to
live. We think we know what the right thing to do is. We think we can figure
it out. The fact is we cannot really live until we allow God to lead us.
Look around at the mundane things of our lives, the day-to-day
events and responsibilities we deal with. They can make life a drag. They
help us know that we have the wrong focus. We get trapped in the day-to-day
stuff and forget that there are more significant things we need to focus on.
God has plans for our life. He has planned out everything. David Scott puts
it this way in “Your workday: Ordinary or Ordained”
From: God
To: you@earth.com
RE: today
Today may seem like an accident. But, believe it or not, I actually
know what is going on, and I have everything under control….Really. So,
don’t freak out. It was my idea. It seems crazy, I know. I’ll explain later.
Just do what you can and I’ll take care of the rest.
God
P.S. If you have any questions,
I’ll be here if you need me.
Read what the writer of Ephesians tells us -
Ephesians 2:10;
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We were created by God in His
image, given the opportunity for a new life through Christ Jesus, to
accomplish the good works that God has planned for us to do. God has a plan
for each one of us that was in place before we were born.
Psalm 139:15-16;
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your
book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day passed…
Who’s
hands have you placed your Life?
A basketball in my hands is worth about $19, A basketball in
Michael Jordan's hands is worth about $33 million.
A baseball in my hands is worth about $6, A baseball in Alex
Gonzalez’ hands is worth $19 million.
A tennis racket is useless in my hands, A tennis racket in Venus
Williams' hands is a Wimbledon Championship.
A racecar in my hands is dangerous, A racecar in Richard Petty’s
hands is worth 200 wins.
A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal, A rod in Moses'
hands will part the mighty sea.
A sling shot in my hands is a kid's toy, A sling shot in David's
hand is a mighty weapon.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish
sandwiches. Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in God's hands will feed
thousands.
Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse, Nails in Jesus
Christ's hands will produce salvation for the entire world. It depends whose
hands it's in!
As we can see it depends whose hands our life is in as to what the
potential is. So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes,
your dreams, your families, your relationships, your very life in God's
hands because in His hands we will know the meaning of living.
Who is in control of our life? Who should be?
The Psalmist goes on to give us a prayer to ask of God.
Psalm 139:23-24;
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Let’s
put our life in God’s hands. He has a plan and it is good. He promises to
bless us as we submit to His plan. Fight the temptation to do things our
way. Fight the temptation to trust in others. Let us place our life and our
direction in God’s hands. He is trustworthy.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
ROADWORK OF A DIFFERENT KIND - The road this week didn’t
lead to the track, I think this is the first time in a long time that I
didn’t attend an event. The blessing was that while I tended to my flock at
Emmanuel Baptist our RWJM Chaplains spread out to cover the action. It was
tremendously encouraging that they were out there ministering in Jesus name.
I am excited about where God is leading us. I have heard many encouraging
reports and it is clear that God's hand is in all of this.
Bobby Somers handled part of my workload and had these thoughts to
offer. The week of racing started off heading to Thompson Intl Speedway then
to Lee USA Speedway and ending at the NHMS on Saturday with Rev. Dan. I
would like to claim this was the first weekend my ice cream did not take
residence on my RWJM shirt. I think I got the set up right for the first
time this season.
It was great heading to Thompson chatting with the many drivers and
families that unfortunately I don’t get to see as much. It is always a
blessing to reunite and listen about how the season has been with its highs
and lows. The Sunoco Mods put on a great show as did the other divisions
giving the fans great, edge of the seat racing. Ryan Preece sure looked like
the car was dialed in but just didn’t have enough at the end. Woody Pitkat
took home the checkered flag followed by Keith Rocco, Richard Fuller, Ryan
Preece, and Danny Cates.
Well on to Lee USA Speedway Friday night and once again the
MacDonald family, Red and Judy, didn’t let a single fan down with the racing
they provided. With all the talk of the Indy cars up at NHMS Lee had there
own battle with the Small Block Supers. This division has had some of the
fiercest battles, surprising finishes and fans jumping out of their seats
with excitement. If you have never had the taste of some side by side open
wheel racing you need to head to Lee USA Speedway on Friday nights!
Then it was off to NHMS. The Mods put on a classic, getting back to
what they are known for at New Hampshire. With veteran Mike Stefanik taking
home the win it seemed like old times. In closing I would like to thank Rev.
Dan for the time we shared up at NHMS with the Modified Tour on Saturday.
PRAYERS NEEDED - Speaking of God’s hand in things, I
received a call from Jerry Marquis this week asking us to lift Gene Miller
and his family up in our prayers. Some of you may remember Gene from our
visits to Watkins Glen in the old Busch North Days. He is a Rochester, NY
Christian businessman. He recently lost his wife and has some very important
decisions to make. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts.
Also on the prayer side of things there have been many requests
from many different people concerning challenges they face, please lift up
these unspoken request to the Lord.
VMRS JOINS NEMA AND SUPERS AT THE SHORE - After finishing up
a few laps Friday night at SMS, Keith Rocco took down the victory, the VMRS
header down to Waterford for the Wings and Wheels show. Rev.’s Scott and Ray
were on hand to take in the action. It must be old-timers weekend in racing
as another veteran climbed from his La-z-boy back into a mod for a fillin
stint. Jerry Marquis, one of the greatest wheel men of all time, filled in
for Rowan Pennink and not only won the pole but took down the race victory
also. Not to shabby for someone who hasn’t driven in a few years.
Things should get back to normal this week and I’m looking forward
to getting back to the track. It was great to see a couple of veterans in
Victory Lane this week. Maybe Mike can nail down that tenth championship?
Maybe Jerry had enough fun to come back and race a little with us? It sure
was good to see.!
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. 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.
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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 20
ANDY & BARBARA HALL- This former NASCAR PR director, now Indy Racing League
official, and wife have their 22nd anniversary.
DAN & LAURIE WALKER- The Public Relations Director at Beech Ridge Motor
Speedway and wife share their 26th.
August 21
JERRY & LESLIE BURCHETTE- This Super Pro IHRA driver and wife share their
18th anniversary.
STEVE & BONNIE MILLER- This NASCAR KNPSE couple from Waterford, NJ have
their 38th anniversary.
August 23
JIM & PAT SPENCER- The former driver now TV personality from Berwick, PA and
lovely wife share their 31st.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
August 17
PHIL RONDEAU- Baltic, CT Hooters Cup/LM driver.
JIM MAVLOUGANES- CT based LAte Model driver.
JIM ROSENFIELD- MA ProStock driver.
JIM TERWILLIGER- Bloomingburg, NY 1956 Sprint URC Rookie of the Year, now
retired.
CHRIS ROMANO- AARN's "Midget Magic" columnist, now down south.
SHERIL PERRY- She writes about Seekonk Speedway from Rehoboth, MA.
ARLENE HARD- Wife of Vill, race car fan since 1958 from Clifton, NJ.
RON HANNA- Amsterdam, NY Fonda Speedway fan.
August 18
DAVEY JOHNSON- Imperial, PA S.T.A.R.S. Late Model driver.
DOUG DIDERO- Oswego Speedway/ISMA SuperModified driver.
SAM STERN- MA ProStock driver.
BETH SEMINARA- Originally from Brewster, NY now Mt. Holly, NC, wife of "Area
Auto RAcing News" Cup photographer Ted.
AMANDA VECCHIO- The daughter of Syracuse, NY former NASCAR KNPSE team owners
Tony and Debbie.
BOB BURKET- Former NJ dirt modified owner.
August 19
MIKE ROWE- One of Maine's legendary NASCAR KNPSE/LM drivers and very proud
dad of Turner, Maine KNPSE/LM driver Benji.
PAUL SPENCER- Berwick, PA brother of Verses commentator JIm.
TIM BENDER- Colden, NY NASCAR KNPSE driver.
FRAN COLSON- Leominster, MA ProStock driver.
JIM KEEKER- USAC Midget driver.
LINDA SANSEVERINO- Wife of Hillsborough, NC photographer Ed.
JULIE POTTER- Preston, CT Modified fan.
August 20
JOHN LESNIAK- Wallingford, CT NASCAR KNPSE driver
CHARLIE KREMER- NJ asphalt Modified driver.
STEVE MILLER- Waterford, NJ KNPSE team part-owner.
DENNIS PUNCH- PR man for the Brewco NNS Team. Dennis is also Dr. Jerry's
brother.
August 21
NEAL FEOLA- He really isn't "Nasty Neal" and is a Blunderbust driver at
Riverhead Raceway.
TIM ATTAYA- Promoter of the Augusta, ME civic Center Motorsports Show in
January and Maine TV personality.
RENE LaLUMIERE- Jefferson, NH retired LM driver.
KAREN MARQUIS- Enfield, CT wife of semi-retired NASCAR WMT and KNPSE driver
Jerry.
BILL SANSEVERINO- Son of Hillsborough, NC photographer Ed and wife Linda.
August 22
STAN FRIESEN- Owner of NY's Lancaster and Ransomville Speedways.
NICHOLAS GRAVEL- One of ProStock driver Gege and wife Lisa's children in
Groton, MA.
TIFFANY FULLER- A daughter of NNS/WMT driver Jeff and wife Lisa.
GAGE MICHAEL COLEMAN- The son of former Waterford Speedbowl Modified Team
owner Danny, and future driver.
CHELSEA BREHM- Mechanicsburg, PA. Jr. Champ Kart racer and Daughter of Merl
Brehm.
August 23
STEVE PARK- E. Northport, LI, NY NSC/NNS/CWTS/KNPSE/WMT winningdriver.
KENNY WALLACE- NSC/NNS driver from St. Louis, MO
ED KENNEDY- Coppell, TX ARCA/NASCAR KNPSE/NASCAR retired WMT driver.
ANDREW McILRAVEY- "Big Mac" is a 1960's Plainville, CT Stadium driver, now a
regular at Stafford, Waterford and Thompson. True to his heritage you can
spot him by his plaid shirts.I am told this year is lap 84!
NICOLE TRACI- Accord Speedway dirt Sportsman driver.
DORIS BRADLEY- The mother-in-law of Steve Wood from Oakhurst, NJ.
*** IN THE SHOP ***
JASON PARES & KATE RCYCK- On August 9, Jason, son of AARN
Mod Tour Photographer Michael and wife Carol, tied the knot with Kate Rcyck.
The couple will make their home in Rhode Island. Our prayer is that Jason
and Kate would have a wonderful and joyful marriage.
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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