We have heard the story. We probably know it better than
most stories in the Bible. And it may be safe to say many who are not
Christians know the story also. It is such a familiar story, but yet one
that is hard to comprehend. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ.
Racing is full of stories and story tellers. The older we get the
bigger the story gets. Sometimes it grows to legend status. Do you remember
the time….?
I remember the joy and smiles I see on the faces of those who tell
the stories of the “Glory Days” of racing. It is interesting how every story
has a happy ending. I guess we forget the one that don’t end so well.
Do you remember the time the car was so smashed we didn’t know if
we could straighten it out? We brought it back to the shop, cut, welded,
measured and got it close. Then we took that thirteen year old chassis out
and won at Oxford Plains! I guess we got it right! I can still see the smile
on Dave Dion’s face as he tells the story, I guess we showed them!
What separates truth from fiction? What do we believe and what do
we discount as fable? Sometimes things are not what they seem; the story
seems too far fetched to believe. How can we understand something we have
never seen, let alone believe it?
How many of us have seen someone raised from the dead? How hard
would it be for us to believe it?
Think of the Disciples; Christ gave them an example with Lazarus,
as John records for us in his Gospel, yet, they still found it hard to
believe.
The evidence is overwhelming; Christ appeared to over five hundred
people after his resurrection over forty days. Many times the crowds
included those who were against him and didn’t want to acknowledge His
resurrection. If we listened for just 15 minutes to each person Christ
appeared to after his resurrection it would take over five days. Five days
of eyewitness testimony, 120 hours!
The fact remains, the tomb is empty; He’s not here. Why do we look
for the living in the place of the dead?
Such an interesting question the Angels posed to the women that
came to the tomb. Why do we look for life in things that will only lead to
death?
Many times in our lives we focus on attaining something. We are
taught to set goals and we focus on attaining those goals. But I wonder, how
much life do we sacrifice on our way to getting someplace? How much do we
miss because our focus is in the wrong place?
Luke 24:13-15; Now that same
day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles
from Jerusalem.
They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself
came up and walked along with them;
That same day, Jesus was walking along
with two of His disciples, yet they did not recognize Him. They were so
focused on the disappointment of watching Him die they failed to understand
that He would rise up and have victory over death.
I don’t think it is because they hadn’t seen it before; they were
there when Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb after four days. I think it
was just human nature, when we are disappointed we go into this shell of
self pity, what are we going to do now?
Christ not only revealed himself to them but to others, is that
enough for us to believe? Or maybe we are like Thomas.
John 20:26-29; A week
later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them.
Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said,
"Peace be with you!"
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your
hand and put it into my side.
Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed
are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Some of
us need to see to believe. Some of us do not believe anything we cannot
reach out and touch. Let me share with you the presence of God in your life
is life changing. If you need proof, ask someone who has received
forgiveness from God through Jesus Christ.
As we walk down the road of life we need someone by our side. Jesus
is willing to walk alongside and guide us along the right path. But He won’t
do it without our asking. He is waiting for us to seek Him out and ask Him
to reveal the truth to us. There is no doubt that this story is true.
Christ revealed Himself to us in His resurrected form. He wanted to
make sure we knew He had victory over death. He spoke with us, ate with us,
let us inspect his wounds. He made sure there were no questions, He is
Risen, He is Risen indeed!
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
WATERFORD BLASTS OFF - We returned to
the track in force, not only the race teams but our contingent of chaplains.
With two touring series on the race card and the regular contenders we had a
full complement of folks there to serve their needs. Bobby Somers was joined
by Scott Martin to minister to the VMRS gang and he sent in this report.
The 10th anniversary for the Valenti Modified Racing Series began
with heavy hearts. As the teams assembled at Waterford Speedbowl news of the
untimely loss of popular car owner Chuck Montville spread through the pits.
Chuck fielded the #06 entry for best friend/driver Les Hinckley. As many
tried to come to grips with the news, stories abounded about Chuck and the
impact He made on many people in racing. His presence will be missed.
There were 32 cars on hand for 26 spots in Sunday’s feature. The
last race run during the weekend had the faithful bundled up against the
cold chill in the air. It was cold but the fans gave a warm welcome to every
driver and showed that they were once again ready for some great Modified
racing.
As they rolled to green the pole was left empty in honor of Chuck.
Steve Masse took home the win followed by Todd Annarummo and Anthony
Nocella. The series gets back in action Saturday night, April 20 at the Mad
Dog in Winchester , NH . Hope to see you there.
NEMA was also at the track and Chaplain Tara Stoehr added these
comments; the date of this event fell on the anniversary of Shane Hammond’s
accident at Thompson. Shane’s mom, Deb, spoke to the teams in attendance
sharing heartfelt, very moving words and Scripture verses that God laid on
her heart. She credits God for giving her the words to say and helping her
through each day. We could definitely see God’s hand on the racing, only a
few yellows and a really good save by Andy Barrows. Thankfully Lites driver,
Danny Cuginni walked away after his car came into contact with the wall in
the 4th turn.
Great first race of the season, On the Lites side Keith Rocco won
the Lites, only to be disqualified, for Tech infractions. The win was
awarded to Randy Cabral, 2nd was Carl Medieros 3rd was Jake Stergios. Todd
Bertrand won the midget race in his new car! Anthony “Bug” Marvuglio 2nd and
Randy Cabral 3rd.
Great to be back with everybody!
Rev. Ray coordinated the effort in my absence and wished to thank
the entire team at Waterford Speedbowl for their hospitality and welcoming
spirit. Ray shared; the calendar said it is Spring, but ol' man Winter
wanted to hang on a little longer. Along with cold temperatures, the wind
was a steady constant. But it didn't take long for the temperatures to heat
up in the "hello, how are you" Fender Bender Division. Many new
acquaintances were made and old relationships renewed. At the end of the
"Blast Off" weekend it was agreed everyone would return to race another
week. Thanks again to the folks at Waterford and all the division
competitors for making this a memorable two days. It was good to hear the
sounds of racing again.
ICEBREAKER ON TAP - This week the Mighty Modifieds of the
Whelen Modified Tour roll into Thompson Speedway for to kick off the 2013
season. I will be looking for your there.
The K&N Boys head to the Sunshine State for a visit to Five Flags
in Pensacola for a Saturday night tilt. Rev. Dan will be joined by our
Central Florida Representative Jason Rosarius.
We are hoping for good things from Jason as his driving career
continues to develop, he is meeting this week with JGR about potential
development opportunities and recently participated in a NASCAR round table
as one of the top fifty up and coming drivers in the nation. Keep those
opportunities in your prayers.
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
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