IT’S NOT ABOUT US
by Rev. Don Rivers

Philippians 2:1-4; nlt, Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?
Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit?
Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy
by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working
together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for
your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

   "Put your mind in gear before you put your mouth in motion” a popular statement but we should add “and before we put our Chrome Horn in someone’s rear end.” Sometimes our encouragement is more retaliation. We misinterpret the true meaning of the word and claim we are trying to encourage but we are really getting even!

   I have heard it put many ways, recently a driver explained it this way, “You can talk until you are blue in the face but sometimes you need to use your boot on the other end.”

   That really isn’t the encouragement I am talking about. Have you ever felt horrible after a bad race? Did someone put their arms around you and give you some words of encouragement? Did it help to change your outlook? Did it help you move on to next week's race?

   Encouragement is a two-step process, it matters what we say and it matters what we do. Sometimes the two don’t match. If we are truly going to be encouraging to someone we have to mean it, not only say it. We have to follow through.

   Most of us got to where we are in life because of what we learned from someone else. If we think back in our memory, who are the people we remember most? We remember those who helped point us in the right direction, those who motivated us to do better. We remember those who taught us that anything worth attaining was worth working for. We remember those who walked along side, ready to reach out and lift us up, ready to put our feet back on the right path. Those who supported us without judgment, they encouraged us.

   We have to remember encouragement doesn’t mean doing something for someone. We can handicap a person for life if all we do is enable them. Sometimes the best encouragement we can be is to stand along side and support them through the struggle. This might help us understand that a little better.

   The Cocoon, A man found the cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened!

   In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

   Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. Through the struggle we grow to appreciate what we have and what God has provided for us. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as we could have been. And we could never fly.

   Encouragement has many shapes and forms; instead of giving someone a fish, we need to teach them to fish. Giving people instructions and watching them struggle through the learning process can be difficult. Fight the temptation to jump in and do it for them. We need to help them, support them and most of all we need to forgive them when they make a mistake. God handles us the same way.

   God gives us the freedom to make mistakes, forgives us when we fail, picks us up, places us back where we belong and lets us try again. We need to be the same way.

   God provides opportunities for us to walk alongside others as they face struggles in their lives. The key is to turn our focus outside ourselves, look at what is going on around us. Too many times we have tunnel vision and we do not see the needs of others. This passage reminds us; if we have received it then we should be ready with a willingness to walk along side and help others find the right path.

   I want to encourage you this week, take a look around, is there someone you can come alongside and help through the struggles they face? Not do it for them, but hold them up, give them the strength the need to face the fight, listen to their frustrations and anxieties. I am sure there are more people than we know that we can help. Let’s make that effort, get out of our own little world and bring life into the world around us.

Philippians 2:1-4; nlt, Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love?
Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly
happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together
with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others
as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
 

   THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

    FIRST STOP WAVERLY, NY - As many of you know a longtime member of the racing fraternity, AL Robinson, has been in rehab recovering from the effects of a stroke. The road to recovery has been a year and counting and there is still progress to be made before Al can hit the road again.

   In true Al Robinson fashion, Howie and Mary Hodge and I hit the road and headed out to visit with Al. With a new racing season starting we were sure that Al would be chomping at the bit to get back to the track. We thought we might be able to provide him with a little encouragement.

   I called Al when we about twenty minutes out and asked if he minded if we stopped by. He was thrilled; his face lit up when we arrived and in true character, there was a story to tell.

   I shared with him how I brought Howie and Mary to the Roscoe Diner for breakfast. The food might be good in the rehab facility but it wasn’t Roscoe’s. Al said about Roscoe’s “The standard by which all others are measured.” I am planning a return trip with the hope of taking Al to Roscoe’s, but he might beat me to the punch.

   His spirits are high and his expectations are to be back at the track before the season is over. He is making progress, but there is still some work to be done. I am sure he would love a note of encouragement, send one along, Al Robinson, rm 109, c/o Elderwood Senior Care, 37 North Chemung Street, Waverly, NY 14892.

   I would also like to add that there is a Benefit planned to help Al with the cost of his care.

   The Robinson Benefit Set For May 11-12; at Shangri-La II Motor Speedway in Tioga Center, NY. While the schedule is still in its final stages of preparation, tentative plans call for gates to open at 11 am Friday, May 11, for race fans to begin setting up their camp sites and vendors to set up their displays. The event will officially kick off at 5 pm Friday, with activities taking place until 1:00 am Saturday morning. Activities resume at 8:00am/et on Saturday, May 12, and run through 12 noon. Monetary donations may be sent by check to:

   The Spalding Foundation, c/o Betty Sherwood,1074 Sulpher Springs Road, Owego, NY, 13827. Please write "Al Robinson Fund" on the comment line.

   You can get more info at http://www.shangrila-2.com.

   NEXT STOP RIVERHEAD - I also was out on LI to put things in place for the upcoming season. I had a chance to visit with Riverhead Chaplain Pastor Scott Kraniak. He is excited about what 2012 holds in store. This year he will be doing a brief Chapel service before the action gets going on Saturdays, check it out I am sure you will be blessed.

   NEXT STOP ICEBREAKER - I had a little head start on my race weekend, I was at the track earlier in the week putting the finishing touches on Pat’s Bench. Presented in September 2004 for 25 years of dedicated service to the racing family the bench has been refreshed and is ready for many more years of sitting and talking, something Pat loved to do. Thanks to Jeff Doyle for his help.

   There was a race this weekend and it was close to home, but I managed to put more than a few miles on this week. It was worth it to provide some encouragement to those who serve the racing family.

   The Icebreaker broke a lot of things but ice wasn’t one of them. As different race strategies played out the end was much more interesting that the beginning. Jamie Tomaino had the quote of the day. When speaking of his sixth place finish he reflected, “I may not be as fast as a lot of guys but sometimes your brains are a little more important than your gas pedal foot.” I guess that about sums it up, using your brain was in the minority at Thompson.

   It will be interesting to see what the second act looks like at Stafford in a few weeks. Ronnie Silk bounced back from being up in the air at the Icebreaker last year to victory lane this year and starts his title defense on the top of the ladder.

   LEE USA SPEEDWAY KICKS THINGS OFF WITH ACT 1 - Bobby Somers sent this report: with the ACT tour in town along with the Pass tour to help fill up every spot in the pits late arrivals had to circle the pits looking for a spot to set up in. During practice on Saturday for the ACT car #31 from Ontario went heavy into turn one. With hopes of competing in the Governors Cup on Sunday in doubt, local car builder David Joyce opened his shop and they repaired the car. This is truly a blessing the way racing families work together to help each other out.

   With the ACT set up for 4 Heat races 1 consi the fans got their monies worth; every driver competed as if it were the feature event. Two of the local favorites Wayne Helliwell and Eddie Mac set their place in field by winning their heat races. This was a day where leaving your seat to grab a bite to eat meant you missed some incredible side by side racing. One of the heat races for the ACT tour was so close only .004 of a second separated first and second place.

   The ACT put on a show Sunday with Brian Hoar defending the Governors Cup for a second straight year, #27 Helliwell second and #57 of Austin Theriault third, in his rookie season, showing he is going to be a contender this year.

   Car counts look strong for the home opener at LEE USA Speedway on May 4th with the regular divisions making their way back for an exciting 2012 season.

   BRODERICK FAMILY - Please keep Jimmy, Bubba and the entire Broderick family in your thoughts and prayers, this past week Jimmy’s mom, Linda, passed away. It will be a tough day for him on the Saturday the 21st, his birthday

   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 http://www.rwjm.com/store. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. Remember that God loves you, we love you and

Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
 

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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***

April 19
JIM & DORIS TROMBLY- The Pit Steward and Credentials manager wife at the Hudson (NH) Speedway have their 42nd anniversary.

April 21
JAMES & IONEY WARNER- This Martinsville Speedway infield staffer and wife, both close friends of Rev. pat, celebrate their 14th anniversary.

April 22
ROGER & MELISSA HORVATH- This NY ELS Sprint driver and wife have their 17th anniversary.
J.J. & KELLY MICHAELS- This Small Block Modified driver at Fulton and Utica-Rome Speedways in New York and his wonderful wife Kelly share their 13th anniversary.

April 23
PAUL & MICHELLE McELEARNEY- This veteran Riverhead Raceway LM driver and wife have their anniversary today.

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***

April 18
JONNY DENNISON- This LI tow truck operator who hangs out at Riverhead and has been know to frequent the WMT stops in Connecticut has his special day. Rev. Pat, we’re still looking out for him.
GEOFF BODINE- The oldest of the racing Bodine brothers of Chemung, NY.
JIM HAWKEY- Wall Township Speedway Modified driver.
ROBERT TYLER LABONTE- Son of NSC driver Bobby and wife Donna.
CHELSEA MARQUIS- A daughter of Enfield, CT NASCAR KNPSE/WMT driver Jerry and wife Karen.
GERALD CHAMBERLAIN- Birthday wishes go out from the Nagy's in Nazareth, PA.

April 19
JACK ROUSH- NSC/NNS/Trans-Am multi-team owner.
ROBERT YATES- Noted engine builder, NSC team owner.
BOB AILES- St. Johnsbury, VT LM driver.

April 20
ED SPENCER III- Berwick, PA NASCAR Cup/NNS driver Jim's nephew.
RON BARFIELD, JR.- Florence, SC NASCAR CWTS/ All Pro Series driver.
DON DesROCHERs- Retired Riverside Park Speedway driver, father of SKMod driver Heather.
RICH PAWLICH- Rocky Hill, CT Modified fan.
FRANCIS STODDARD- NSC Crew Chief for Boris Said.
BILL BALSER- Norton, MA veteran photographer.
KELLI BIRKBECK- Pawcatuck, CT, a huge fan of Kasey Kahne and Joey Lagano.

April 21
JIM BRODERICK- A close personal friend of Rev. Pat's from Brookfield, CT on semi-retirement from WMT and Sk mods and concentrating on son Bubba's carreer.
RANDY GLENSKI- NY D.I.R.T. Mod driver.
STEVE BARRICK- Flemington, NJ President of Program Dynamics which produces weekly programs for track all over the East Coast.
STEPHANIE SHAW- Mom of Center Conway, NH KNPSE driver DJ and wife of former driver Dale.

April 22
BOB HOWARD- Colorado Springs, CO NASCAR West driver.

April 23
ROBBIE CROUCH- Burlington, VT's "Tampa Tornado" retired NASCAR KNPSE/LM driver.
JASON KELLER- Greensville, SC NNS driver.
P.J. JONES- Rolling Hills, CA Indy car/ NASCAR Truck series driver.
CHUCK GAFRARAR- Team Penske fabricator.
AL ROBINSON- World-wide race announcer and Storyteller extraordinaire.
J.J. O'MALLEY- Al's buddy and the PR Director at Watkins Glen Speedway.
BOB PRATT- A brother of Joe Pratt, NJ Mod driver Ed and uncle of sportsman driver Richie Pratt, Jr.
MICHELLE McELEARNEY- The wife of Commack, NY Riverhead LM driver, Paul.

April 24
RICK SCHAFFER- Woxall, PA all-time winningest Mod driver at Grandview.
HERMIE SADLER- Emporia, VA NNS/NSC driver.
ED FLEMKE JR- Southington, CT NASCAR WMT Modified driver/ chassis builder.
CHERYL MARKS- Grandview Souvenier Stand Manager.
LINDA GOLDEN- Daughter of retired Midget owner Joe Sukup from Schodack Landing, NY.
WALTER NEWCOMB- Keeper of the cup, this Long Island native is a big Modified fan.

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SEND THEM TO:

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

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Racing With Jesus Ministries Website
 

Source: Rev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: April 20, 2012