Have you ever done something wrong? Seems like a simple question with a
simple answer, but why is it we forget that when it comes time to forgive
someone else from a mistake they made. Forgiveness is something we want to
receive but many times are not as willing to give. Greetings in the name of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let me set the record straight, we all make mistakes. We all make
choices that seem right at the time but in retrospect they were not the
correct ones. That being said why have we become a society that has
developed a less forgiving attitude?
As the season winds down I can remember several occasions over the
past few months that mistakes on and off the track have been made. At the
moment when they occurred it seemed the whole season hinged on them. After a
little time passed their significance has waned and we have moved on. Those
are the ones that are easy to deal with. Other mistakes take on a life of
their own.
Forgive and forget; a familiar refrain, but one of the most
difficult things for us to do. We want to get back at the person who wronged
us. We have a need to get even. We have our rights and no one is going to
take advantage of us. We say that we forgive but we will never forget. These
are many of the comments you hear when you encourage others to forgive. We
tend to be unforgiving people when it comes to others, but we want to be
forgiven when it comes to us.
Let’s take a look at what God says about this issue. God’s rules
never change and His standard is always the same. God does not accept our
mistakes. God is right and just and mistakes are not something that God can
accept. God says all mistakes are the same; big or small doesn’t matter, all
mistakes fall into the category of sin, missing the mark. We all have made
them and all will have to pay the penalty.
There is no difference, for all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 8:23
And the penalty is the same;
For the wages of sin is death,
Romans 6:23a
But look at the rest of that
verse and we start to see what God intends for us.
But
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23b
God said I will make a way for
your mistakes to be forgiven; I will send My Son, Jesus Christ to pay the
penalty for you.
"For God so loved the world that he gave
his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the
world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not
condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he
has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
John 3:16-18
We need to be at peace, peace
with others and peace with God. Jesus was the ultimate peacemaker. He gave
his life so that we could have peace with God. Jesus came, suffered, died
and rose again so that the penalty for our sin would be paid in full. We can
receive that payment by accepting it. It is a gift from God.
For it is by grace you have been saved,
through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by
works,
so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
God provided this opportunity
for forgiveness and we can receive it by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord
and Savior. When we do we make peace with God, we restore our relationship
with Him; our sins are forgiven and remembered no more.
We cannot experience the full blessing of God if we refuse to
forgive others. Our unwillingness to forgive implies that our standard is
greater than God’s. That is not correct; God’s standard is the only one that
counts. If God is willing to forgive you there is no reason we could have
for not forgiving others. Make that commitment this week. Commit that you
will go to the people you have refused to forgive and forgive them. Don’t
worry if they refuse to accept it, many have refused to accept the
forgiveness that God offers. We are not called to make people accept our
forgiveness, but to offer the gift. Offer that gift to someone today.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
THE CHALLENGES OF LOSING
YOUR CREW CHIEF - Our NEMA Chaplain Tara Stoehr and her family have
faced some challenges on and off the track these past few weeks and she
candidly shared how God has led them through and blessed them along the way.
Here are her thoughts:
“Well, first of all we packed up the car on Friday with all of
Kathryn's belongings to head off to college after the race on Saturday. The
car was packed and ready to go, so on Saturday morning we could leave by
9am. It was a great day at the races. Running 3rd in points and not having
his 26b midget at the track, Greg Stoehr was a little disappointed but
excited to focus on his daughter Bethany in the 26b lite car, along with
their crew chief, Kathryn Stoehr. It was a blessing for the girls and Greg
as they got Bethany's car really hooked up. I watched as Greg helped out
some of the other competitors, he was in his element and making the best of
a situation!
A long time and dear friend of ours, Keith Botelho was asked to
drive Eddie Breault’s Esslinger/Beast number 44. This was Keith’s first ride
for the season. Keith didn't realize that Greg's car was not at the track
when someone came up to him and asked him about letting Greg drive because
he is 3rd in points. Without hesitation Keith asked the car owner what he
thought and within seconds they were both walking over to our pit area.
Greg continued to say no and "would never take a driver away from
his ride". Car owner, Ed and friend Keith would not leave until Greg said
yes so finally Greg said, “then flip a coin, heads I drive; tails, Keith
drives”. Greg was really leaving it in God’s hands. Ed flipped the coin and
it was heads. Greg suited up and was ready to go.
Rev. Ray went over to wish Keith well and Keith said, "It's not me
going out - Greg is running today. I owe it to him because they've done so
much for me. I have no chance in points - Greg does - it's his ride today".
Keith told me; "It was the right thing to do, I knew it in my
heart". He also joked and said; "So glad Ed brought his two headed quarter!"
With a humbled and grateful heart, Greg went out and drove the
wheels off the 44! This was such a gracious and awesome gesture from both Ed
and Keith! There aren’t too many guys who would give up their ride for the
night. Points or no points! Thanks to Ed, Keith and the 44 team. We would
also like to thank Mike Jarret for his part in making this happen!
After the race we headed for New York. I must say NOTHING prepares
you for the day you bring your first child to college!! You see we are a
very close family and when one of us is absent it is very noticeable. We
know that Kathryn is exactly where God wants her and Nyack College is the
school for her, but it is still difficult.
We had a wonderful day together; helping her set up her dorm room,
spending fun time at the block party- we were there from 1pm - 8pm! It was
wonderful! At one point the four of us held hands in Kathryn’s dorm room and
each of us took turns praying. Greg thanked God for the pain we were
feeling, knowing that it was good and that it hurts so much because we love
so much! At the end of the day all the parents cut a piece of red ribbon to
keep with us as a reminder to pray for our kids and then it was time to
leave. Watching Kathryn and Bethany say goodbye was heart wrenching!
The four of us hugged, kissed, cried and hugged again. Kathryn was
supposed to head down the hill to the gym and we were going in the opposite
direction, except Kathryn was having a hard time parting. So Greg (knowing
he needed to do this for Kathryn) gently took Kathryn by the shoulders and
turned her around and told her "Now go make the world your own", and we
turned and walked away.......So much went through my mind at that very
moment......Kathryn's first day of pre-school, a father releasing his young
to fly, explore and adventure. Wow!
All that to say, yes there is a void in our family and Bethany will
probably feel it more then ever, however we are trusting God and know that
Kathryn is not alone her heavenly father is with her and adores her more
then we can imagine. We are very excited for Kathryn and waiting with
expectation to see where God is going to lead her!”
TOURING THE CONNECTICUT TRACKS - I made the rounds this week
with a friend and brother Kyle Froman; MRO Chaplain for the Whelen Southern
Modified Tour. This was his first visit to the area, in town for the UNOH
North/South Showdown. We saw some
fantastic racing as we visited Thompson and
Waterford. It was too bad that he couldn’t get into town for the Friday
night show at Stafford. With the season winding down the racing is heating
up. This week I have seen some of the best side by side racing I can
remember. I urge you to get out there and see it for yourself.
IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT - And with the threat of rain
knocking on the door Waterford moved through the program to get it in. With
the Valenti Modified Racing Series on the track shooting for halfway they
put on a great show. Bobby shared these thoughts;
“On Saturday Vinetta and I headed to Waterford with the Valenti
Modified Racing Series. With 23 cars registered at the Bowl and the smile
still showing on Tommy Barrett’s face from his late, come from behind win at
Monadnock, he was looking forward to getting back on the track. Could this
driver do it again and what did the team pick up with the previous pit
strategies?
This was not the only thing going on in the pits at the Bowl, the
weather was a huge factor. The radar was being closely watched more so than
the practices with a tornado warning looming. The schedule was altered a bit
and the turn around from the heats to the feature was in hurry up mode
hoping to beat what the weather held in store. The great work of the track
and the VMRS officials allowed the racing to get in and as the checkered
flag dropped, the skies unloaded.
With the focus of many teams thinking 50 laps would be the maximum
laps tonight everyone raced with great patience. There were several cars
that had tire issues with right front flats and the cautions were hurried up
as the storm got closer. One storm that was picking up speed was the #09 of
Tommy Barrett once again passing cars at times like they were going slow. He
used the outside groove to come from the back to the front and waged a side
by side dual with Chris Pasteryak for the win; what a race!
Rebounding from an early season suspension has turned this driver
into a late season sensation. What they are doing has the other teams
wondering as this driver has come from the back to win in two consecutive
races! With Stafford the next race for the VMRS could it be 3 straight wins
for the Victory Lane Bar & Grill Team out of Millis, Ma? With Barrett just
22 points out of the top 5 every fan is watching closely in every turn. So
put Stafford in your GPS this Friday night and see this chase live!”
NORTH SOUTH SHOWDOWN GOES TO OLE BLUE - As the Southern
teams invaded this traditional modified mecca, it was clear the years of
experience the Northern teams had racing here helped them hold the top spot.
And none other that one of the most experienced Modified Drivers took home
the big prize. TC put Ole Blue in victory lane when it counted. Andy Seuss
and Justin Bonsignore won the 75 lap undercard to the 50 lap go for broke
Showdown.
Headed back to Riverhead for the makeup race this Saturday
sandwiched around Stafford and Thompson. Hope to see you out on the road.
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.
Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586,
Tolland, CT 06084.
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Please remember, we can only do what we do because of your prayerful
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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***
September 12
DAN & SHARON MESERVEY- The parents of NASCAR WMT/KNPSE drivers Dan, Jr. and
Doug from Chatham, MA have their 45th anniversary.
RICK & KAREN SWEETEN- Rick is an AARN photographer from New Jersey and can’t
believe Karen has put up with him for all these years. Join with them as
they celebrate 31 years together.
September 13
LARRY & CINDY NICEWICZ- This retired racing writer/ go-karter and wife from
Vernon, CT share their 52nd anniversary.
September 14
ED & GAYLE FERREE- Saxonburg, PA multi-time PA Motor Speedway Big-Block Late
Model dirt champion and owner of Frankland Racing Supply and Clincher Gears
and wife have their 36th anniversary.
VILL AND ARLENE HARD- The Ford racing fans from Clifton, NJ have their 55th
anniversary as a loving couple and partners in racing.
September 17
DICK & JUDY WIBBELSMAN- Gainesville, FL RWJM Advisor and Counselor wife
share their 45th anniversary.
BOB & CAROL PRATT- The brother of Richie Pratt and wife share their 35th
anniversary.
.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
September 12
RICKY RUDD- Retired NSC driver.
CINDY NICEWICZ- Wife of retired Vernon, CT writer Larry.
September 13
JIM GUTHRIE- Gadsden, AL born, Albuquerque, NM IRL driver.
ED HERROLD- A former Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Starter, now living in Texas.
September 14
DOMINIC DOBSON- Mercer Island, WA CWTS driver.
MARK PORCARO- Clinton, NJ occasional NASCAR KNPSE driver.
BILLY CLARK- Farmington, ME LM driver.
WES ROSNER- Famed Agawam, MA ProStock/NASCAR KNPSE builder.
DELORSE BOULET- The special woman in the life of Jewett City Service
proprietor Henry St. John.
GARY MARTIN- Concord, NC Sprint Cup photographer.
September 15
BILL WILSON- Fuquay Varina, NC Dash Series driver.
VENETTA NARDUCCI- Wife of Greg, WMT fan.
RONNIE MILLER III- Son of Camp Hill, PA Susky fans Ron and Arleen.
September 16
BOB BRUNNELL- Peru, NY NASCAR KNPSE semi-retired driver/ team owner.
TOMMY CLOCE- Canton, NY NASCAR WMT/NASCAR KNPSE driver, son of well-known
team owner, Ed.
TIM ZOCK- Youngsville, PA NASCAR KNPSE driver.
BILL DUGGAN- Belmont, NH LM driver.
DARREN BRASSFIELD- Los Galos, CA IMSA GT driver.
JOE BRADY- Stoughton, MA legendary #00 Modified team owner.
TARA MENSCHNER- Daughter of Wall Chaplain Bob Menschner.
September 17
PAT SPENCER- Wife of driver/TV personality, Jimmy.
DENNIS SAVAGE- Lisbon, CT Producer/Host of TV's "God's Masterpiece."
DEREK FELTENBERGER- The son of Grandview/ Big Diamond flagger/ photographer
MIke and wife Mena.
September 18
BORIS SAID III- Carlsbad, CA NASCAR CWTS/NNS/NSC driver.
LOU CICCONI, JR.- The famous Aston, PA ARDC and more Midget driver.
FRANK JASHEMBOWSKI- Orange County Fairgrounds Speedway dirt Modified driver.
LARRY VASSAR- Southington, CT ProStock team owner.
HAROLD BURDICK- Danielson, CT go-kart driver/owner and Stafford Motor
Speedway announcing team member.
STEVE RUBIN- Owner of the New Thompson Speedway excellent food concessions
from Needham, MA.
HENRY ST. JOHN- Proprietor of Jewett City Service in CT.
***IN THE SHOP***
CHRISTINE McKELVEY- Christine, wife of NASCAR and New
Egypt Tech Inspector George, is facing some health issues and needs our
prayers and encouragement. Join with us in lifting her up in prayer.
BRIAN COLE- brother of WMT Driver Wade, has a failing heart and he and his
family needs our prayers and support as they face the realities of the
situation. Join with us as we reach out to them.
EVA HOULE- Sister of Thompson Safety Worker “Fishhead” is facing some health
problems and need our prayers and encouragement. Join with us in lifting her
up in prayer.
***NEW BEGINNINGS***
JOHN C. "JC" FLACH, Jr., age 29, died tragically on
Thursday, September 6, 2012 in an accident on his parents' property.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Coeymans Hollow Fire Company
and First Responders, or the Ravena Rescue Squad will be appreciated. Light
a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.
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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