SUCCESS (PART TWO)
by Rev. Don Rivers
 

Luke5:1-11; One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats,
left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats,
the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore.
Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking,
he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything.
But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so,
they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them,
and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this,
he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"
For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

   In this passage we find the record of how Peter came to follow Jesus. Peter had a choice, he could have remained a fisherman or he could become a fisher of men. To show Peter the He knew the way, Jesus demonstrated His ability to catch fish. After seeing this demonstration the passage says Peter left his nets and boats and followed Jesus. That must have been one awesome catch of fish to impress a fisherman so much. Can you imagine what it would take for us to leave everything behind and follow Christ?

   I find it amazing that Peter walked away from everything he had accomplished, everything he had built, his entire business and followed Jesus. What would it take for you to leave everything at the track and follow Jesus? Can you even imagine what it would take for you to just leave everything and follow Jesus? That's exactly what Peter did. Peter came to the realization that with Jesus failure was not an option.

   Look at the situation; Peter and his associates had been out fishing all night. They caught nothing. They went back out during the day and caught so many fish their boats were sinking. They had never seen so many fish. You can imagine the questions that ran through their minds, "Who is this man that knows where all these fish were?" Then Peter decided he was worth following and his associates, James and John, followed along.

   In addition to the three steps we discussed previously;

1) The first step to being successful is including Jesus. He must be a part of our life.
2) We must allow Jesus to have control of the direction and decisions in our life.
3) Jesus will guide us to people, places and things that we wouldn't have met, gone or done if we didn't follow Him.

4) Realize failure is not an option when we follow Jesus, He will not fail.
5) Expect Jesus to do great things. He will amaze us with His blessings.
6) Accept our new direction in life. Follow Jesus with all you have.

Phil 4:13; I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Luke 1:37; For nothing is impossible with God.

   THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

   REACHING OUT ACROSS AMERICA-  As I reflect on this past week and the places RWJM has been it is tremendously encouraging to know that God has called so many dedicated people to minister in His name. As the season gets into full swing we have fanned out across America to serve those in the racing community.

   Let me share some of the places we traveled this week. From the West Coast Gary Dionne was at Willow Springs for their opener. Steve Fowler was with the WoO Dirt Late Models in Tennessee at Smokey Mountain and Duck River . Bob Menschner was at Wall and Mountain, Rev. Dan and I were at Richmond . Rev. Dan and I then traveled to Stafford Motor Speedway where Rev.’s Ray and Scott joined us. And there were also many others getting things going on the local level.

   As you can see our reach is expanding and God is calling many to serve Him through us. As we extend ourselves we welcome your partnership to assist in supporting our efforts. We welcome your prayers and will put your financial support to good use. Let me thank you in advance for your help and support.

   Thanks also to all of our folks who give of their time and talents to serve the Lord. Your dedication and service to this ministry and the racing community does not go unnoticed.

   SHARING A BLESSING FROM TENNESSEE - Steve Fowler has accepted the challenge of leading the effort to the WoO Dirt Late Models this year and that has been received well by the teams and tracks they visit. He sent along this note to share some of those blessings.

   I had the privilege to serve at Smoky Mountain Speedway on Friday, April 27th. I met with their Chaplain, Ray, who has gone through a lot of physical difficulties over the last months. We were both encouraged by our meeting; he serves the speedway and over the years has been able to lead 5 drivers to the Lord! He was in need of some encouragement to keep going to the track, and I shared that it is apparent that God is using him and loves the folks he is ministering to at the track. I, of course, prayed at the drivers’ meeting, did the invocation, and was able to pray with another man that worked at the track. I was also able to share with one of the younger workers at the track. A couple that own 2 cars asked for prayer and logo stickers. They are excited about putting them on their 2 new cars and following Racing with Jesus Ministries ! The racing was exciting as Shane Clanton won the 50-lap Main with 3 others following very close at the checkered flag. It was great to see the racers I had been able to begin relationships with in February. Saturday night in Tazewell was rained out, but hopefully we will run at Duck River tomorrow night.

   Thanks Steve, God puts us where we need to be at the right time.

   DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND - Our spring double header is in the books and both Dan and I are grateful for a little break in the travel schedule. April has been a challenging month of being on the road for Dan and I am sure he will be glad to stay home and cut the lawn this week.

   Richmond was a blessing, we continue to reach out to the new teams that compete with the K&N series. Every year the names and faces are different and it usually takes a few races to get the numbers, names and colors figured out. Richmond was the forth race for the K&N and we are referring to the entry list less and less. One of the tremendous benefits of the series is the families we get to know. Every year there are new lives to touch and new relationships to build.

   Those relationships develop into close friendships and it is great to have the opportunity to deepen those as the years go by. As we spend time with these families their trust level deepens and we are able to help them through the challenges of living on the road in the racing world. Rev. Dan is doing a great job in building those relationships, thanks.

   STAFFORD SHINES - The weather was perfect and the winner was perfect. Bobby Santos won the poll, led all the laps and took home the victory in the Greatest Race of Spring at Stafford . It may not sound too exciting but it was. It is very difficult to stay out front for 200 laps when some of the best drivers around are taking runs at you. Bobby held off all the challenges, celebrated with the team in victory lane and tasted the sweet success from the glass milk jug. With the added sponsorship from Curb Records this team is poised to contend for the championship.

   TAKING A LITTLE BREAK - We have a break in the action for a week or so, but I am taking a little longer break, my bride and I are headed to Ireland , the home of her ancestors. This has been a dream of hers for many years and she has allowed it to be put aside for a few years. I thank her for her understanding.

   It will be an interesting trip; we are getting a car and traveling the countryside. I hope I can get used to the steering wheel being on the wrong side and driving on the wrong side of the road!

   Please pray for us as we travel and also for the ministry as they continue on in my absence. Rev.’s Dan, Ray and Scott will be holding down the fort and I look forward to sharing with you all the neat things we see and do.

   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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   the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper.

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   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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Source: Rev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: May 3, 2013