We all like it when people recognize who we are. Think
about the difference when you walk into a room of people you know verses
walking into a room of people you have never met. We all have a need for
people to know who we are. But what’s more important is for people to know
who Jesus is. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we draw closer to Easter and the celebration of the resurrection
it is important to understand who Jesus is and why he came. I encourage you
to take some time in the next few weeks and ask yourself the same question
Jesus posed to his disciples, “who do you say that I am?”
So much of our time in racing is spent trying to establish an
identity. This identity can be a number, a sponsor or even a color. When we
achieve that recognition people make that association.
Let's see if it I am right. Let's try some word association, say
the first thing that comes to you mind. Number eighty-eight, number three,
number twenty-four, Napa, Lowes, STP, the color red, black. Sometimes our
identity is so engrained that it is tagged to something, like Petty blue.
I remember one Sunday afternoon during a pit party at Thompson
Speedway. Dan and I were talking with multi-time NASCAR champion Mike
Stefanik. People were milling around getting autographs and taking pictures
but no one interrupted our conversation. In all the commotion we sat there
and talked about everything under the sun. Why would a championship driver
have so much time on his hands during an autograph session? He was missing
something, his car. Mike was seated on the wall without his car to identify
him. He made the comment, "I guess I am nothing without my car."
One year at Motorsports I watched as people lined up several hours
before a NSC driver was scheduled to sign autographs. They devoted hours
standing on line to get that coveted signature. I thought they must really
know this person they are willing to wait hours to talk briefly with him.
Then came a true indicator of our identity. The driver had to walk past a
large part of this line to get to the place he would be signing. I watched
as he walked in plain view and within arms reach of the crowd. They didn't
even notice. Why, because he was dressed in street clothes. He wasn't
dressed in anything that his fans could identify him with. Some thought they
recognized him, but they weren't sure if it was really him.
Would we recognize Christ if we saw Him? Would we know beyond a
shadow of a doubt it was Him? Christ asked this question of his disciples,
Matthew 16:13-17; When
Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,
"Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the
Baptist; others say Elijah;
and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he
asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus
replied, "Blessed are you,
Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my
Father in heaven.
There are
many who cannot identify Jesus. They would find some explanation other than
the correct on. Do you know who Jesus is?
Let's look at it this way, would people identify us with Jesus? Do
they see the character of Jesus in the way we live our life? Do people see
Jesus in us? I have heard it put this way, if being a Christian was a crime
would there be enough evidence to convict us?
We have to realize that we may be the only Jesus someone might see.
We need to live iand represent Jesus in a way that will bring Him glory and
praise. I am asking you to look at your life honestly and critique your
actions. Who would others identify you with, Jesus or someone else?
Scripture tells us what we should look like. My favorite way to
remember this is to think of a donut box. Let me explain, a Christian owned
Bess Eaton donuts and he printed this scripture in circles on his donut
boxes. Every time I needed to remember whom I should resemble I would
remember that donut box. As you might have figured out I did have to visit
once in a while and get a new box and of course the boxes come full. This is
the character of the Jesus,
Galatians 5:22-23...
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no
law.
We live our lives always being compared to
something or someone. We must make every effort to show the love Jesus has
for us to others. I leave you with this challenge; Let others see Jesus in
you. Live your life in such a way as to leave no doubt who Jesus is and who
you belong to. Who do you say that I am?
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
BRISTOL: ALWAYS A TREAT - There is
just something about Bristol, from the bays to sitting on the hill with a
blanket to the modern day Roman Coliseum; it is a special place where the
race is just part of the event. That was never more evident than this past
trip. Joining Dan and I was a new member of the RWJM Family, Derek Petfield.
Derek is Dan’s nephew; his folks are Pastors and work with the
children at their Church. Derek has a heart to serve God and a passion on
his heart for racing. This was his first road trip with us and his first
visit to Bristol.
Derek received a royal welcome as he walked through the tunnel into
the infield. The King himself, Richard Petty, was coming up, stopped, shook
his hand and welcomed him. What a great ambassador for the sport and with
that ever present smile Derek got his first clue that this was different
than Stafford or Thompson.
It always amazes me the access we have as part of this sport. Yes
there are those who are not as approachable, but there are more that get it
and understand that reaching out and being with people only serves to help
make an impression that will not soon be forgotten. Reminded me of the time
we were walking through the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Bill Elliot was there
with his son Chase. He graciously stopped for photos and to sign autographs.
He understood and welcomed the opportunity to make it a special day for a
fan.
Derek’s day was just beginning; I think the smile is still on his
face! He was able to meet Travis Pastrana, who he has wanted to meet for
some time. It also made a great impression on his friends. But there was
also another reason for Derek to be there.
It is no secret that Dan and I are not getting any younger or
better looking. It is time to start training up the next generation of RWJM
Chaplains and Derek is part of that effort. We pray that He would lead Derek
to a life of service and if that involves RWJM then we want to provide that
opportunity.
Derek isn’t the only young man to come forward and express interest
in learning more about this and being involved. Look for Dan to have Jason
Rosarius with him when he is Pensacola at Five Flags Speedway for the Napa
150. Jason is another young man who has the desire to serve God.
Add to that Ben Greenier who serves locally at Stafford Motor
Speedway and the future looks bright. We are excited about the future on
this ministry and the young people that God is calling to come alongside our
experienced Chaplains to learn and serve. Please pray for them as we help
them find their place of service in God’s Kingdom.
GREENVILLE NEXT FOR K&N - This week Dan heads south to
Greenville for the second race on the K&N Schedule. A track steeped in
racing tradition and always puts on a great show.
We are thankful to some folks who have stepped forward to help us
with travel expenses. We are blessed to have someone pick up the cost of
Dan’s motel room in Greenville by applying their reward points. If you have
that option to help us offset some of our travel expenses that would be a
tremendous blessing. With several trips down south for the K&N Series
everything helps us meet those responsibilities.
ARKANSAS , MISSISSIPPI AND TENNESSEE FOR THE WoO LATE MODELS
- Chaplain Steve Fowler is also headed south for three nights of Dirt Late
Model racing. He will be with the World of Outlaws Dirt Late Models as they
make a quick swing through these southern states. Looking forward to hearing
some great reports from the trip.
WoO STP SPRINT CARS IN CALIFORNIA - Chaplain Gary Dionne
was with the WoO Sprint Cars at Tulare this past weekend for a two night
show. During his time there the racing community suffered some heartbreak.
Gary sent this note;
This was a rough weekend at
California Sprint car races. Three people died at the tracks. Friday a 49
year old crew man died of an aneurism at Tulare Thunderbowl in the pits.
Saturday 14 year old Marcus Johnson cousin of driver Chase Johnson and 68
year old Dale Wandergen Jr., a car owner were tragically killed at
Marysville Speedway when a Sprint car went out of control and flipped
through the pit entrance and hit them. Our prayers go out to all of their
family and friends.
As you can see our reach is ever expanding
and the lives we touch are many. Please keep our efforts in your prayers and
if you are led to lend your support that will be greatly appreciated.
EASTER AT MT. CARMEL CHRISTIAN - If you need a place to
celebrate this Easter and you find yourself in the Connecticut area consider
stopping by.
Mount Carmel Christian Church 5100 Ridge Road (near Mt. Carmel Ave.
) North Haven , CT 06473 invites the community to a full weekend of Easter
celebration events.
Everyone is welcome to join
with us:
Thursday, March 28th 6:00 PM dinner, 7:00 PM movie
“The Passion of The Christ” a Mel Gibson movie
Friday, March 29th 7:30 PM Good Friday Services
Sunday, March 31st 7:30 AM Sunrise Service
Sleeping Giant State Park Pavilion
Sunday, March 31st 9:00 AM Breakfast
Mount Carmel Christian Church
Sunday, March 31st 10:30 AM Easter Worship Service
Mount Carmel Christian Church
Contact: church phone: 203-281-7320 / 860-202-3598
www.mountcarmelchristian.com
www.facebook.com/mountcarmelchristian
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.
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
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
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