We dedicate ourselves to many pursuits and find ourselves
needing to prioritize them. I wonder what pursuit is at the top of your
list. Have we abandoned the pursuit of God in order that we may pursue other
things? This question comes to mind, can you take it with you? Greetings in
the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dedication requires our commitment to a certain course, thought or
action. If we lose focus on that we run the risk of losing direction in our
lives. Have you ever been at a point where you stop and say to yourself,
where is this road taking me? At one time or another we all have.
Receiving a wake up call at a hotel recently the thought crossed my
mind that we all need them once in a while. When we go astray from the right
path, when we forget our priorities, when life overwhelms us, these are
situations that distract us from being dedicated to the pursuit of a Godly
life.
Discouragement is a main factor in losing our way. Have you ever
sat at the track and wondered if it was all worth it? All the time, all the
money, all the work, is it really worth it? It is if racing is the passion
in your heart. It is if that is what you are dedicated to. It is if this is
where you find fulfillment and satisfaction.
Let me throw something else out there for you to consider.
Matthew 6:33; NLT, Seek the
Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you
everything you need.
Sometimes we are dedicated to the wrong
thing and we fail to realize how things are connected. Sometimes when we
dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of things we fail to see that things are
temporary. Things rot, rust and are stolen.
Matthew 6:19-21; NLT, “Don’t
store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys
them,
and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where
moths and rust cannot destroy,
and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the
desires of your heart will also be.
The fact remains; you can’t take it with you. All the
pursuits that we dedicate ourselves to hear on Earth will pass away. That is
except one. If we dedicate ourselves to the Lord and His will for our lives
He promises to provide everything we need.
Sometimes we lose sight of who God really is and the provision He
promised. God created this Earth, He created us, He knows what is best for
us. I encourage you to take a look at what you have dedicated yourself to
and maybe it is time to reprioritize. Maybe it is time to…
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; NLT,
“Listen, O Israel ! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and
all your strength.
And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am
giving you today.
Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are
at home and when you are on the road,
when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your
hands and wear them
on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and
on your gates.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
TWO AWESOME NIGHTS FOR RACING - After
several weather related delays we finally saw blue sky and dry ground.
Friday night at Stafford Motor Speedway and Saturday night at Star Speedway
were spectacular late spring days. The racing wasn’t bad either.
STAFFORD FINALLY CATCHES A BREAK - Friday morning looked and
sounded like more of the same, as I listened to the rain on the roof I
lamented, not again. But the weather man was correct, by mid morning the
skies cleared and blue sky could be seen. Let’s Go Racing!
The night belonged to Ryan Preece who ran two memorable races at
Stafford on Friday. First in his SKMod, he spun early and had to go to the
rear. That only set up one of the greatest charges I’ve seen in a long time.
He climbed his way back through the field to take home the victory.
I guess if something works why not try it again. That wasn’t the
plan. I talked with Ryan’s Tour Mod crew chief Sly on Saturday and he shared
his disbelief when he was watching in turn one for the 16 and it wasn’t
there.
“I watched the move coming out of four and then turned my focus to
turn one. I waited to see the 16 coming; when I didn’t see it I couldn’t
believe it.”
Preece had spun to the infield and would rejoin the field at the
tail end. No problem, been there, done that. For the second time in a few
hours Preece charged through the field and took the lead in the closing laps
to go a perfect two for two on the night.
NATIONWIDE EXCITEMENT - I also had a chance to talk with
Ryan about his upcoming Nationwide opportunity at NHMS. He is excited about
the chance but also realizes the challenge of getting used to that type of
car. To help the process Tommy Baldwin Racing is planning on coming up a
little early that week and testing at Thompson Speedway. Ryan is looking
forward to gaining that valuable experience and the doors this opportunity
might open for him.
STARS UNDER THE STARS AT STAR - A great cross section of the
modified community gathered on a spectacular spring Saturday to compete in
the open Mod show that Kevin Rice dreamed up a few years ago. This has
become an event that has gathered the attention of many Mod teams and the
chance for a NHMS like payday doesn’t hurt either.
Mighty Matt Hirschman added to his credentials for being a big
money racer as he dominated the field and took home the lion’s share of the
lap money and purse.
Thoughts of car owner Chuck Montville were never too far from
people’s mind. This would be the first time the 06 would be competing since
Chuck’s untimely death and with heavy hearts the team showed there metal and
came home second. Les was driving hard and if it was the SBM 150 we might be
writing a different ending.
One of the highlights of the night was the Chuck Montville Owner’s
Award given to the Modified owner that best exemplifies Chuck’s kind
hearted, encouraging and giving nature. The award went to a very deserving
owner, Art Barry.
I also wanted to take a moment and recognize the race officials
that conducted the event at Star. You folks did a wonderful job with the
show. I attend many events in my travels and see lots of races, you did a
fantastic job, the behind the scenes communication and coordination was top
notch. Kudos to Jen, John Jr., Bob Jr., Pete and the entire crew.
LETS PLAY TWO - It was a great double header weekend of Mod
racing and we are preparing for another; Friday night the Valenti Modified
Racing Series heads to Stafford Motor Speedway and Saturday the Whelen
Modified Tour invades the bullring by the shore, Waterford Speedbowl. See
you there.
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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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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