The season is winding down but there is no shortage of
racing left. The Tour championship races are coming down to the wire. How do
we perform under the microscope? Will people see our true character? When
they do will they see the love of Jesus? Greetings in the name of our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Many times in life and racing we find ourselves in pressure packed
situations. We need to perform better to retain a sponsor or we need a good
finish to secure our point standings. There are many opportunities at this
time of the season to forget about everything and focus on our on track
performance. Crunch Time!
Many times when we put pressure on ourselves we do not represent
God well. We lose sight of what we have been called to become in Christ and
we revert back to self-focused and self-serving. We forget to look around
and see what others are going through.
That is not the way we should live. We should be looking around for
the opportunities that God has for us. When we turn our focus internally we
do not see or hear the voice of God. Jesus encourages us to remember who we
are called to be.
Matthew 5:13-16; "You are the salt of the
earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by
men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it
on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way,
let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and
praise your Father in heaven.
Jesus uses two analogies, salt and light.
Let’s take a look at salt first. Do you use salt?
We use salt for different things such as to season food or melting
ice. When we use it as a seasoning we enhance the flavor. Take a look around
and see if you are enhancing those around you. Are you making things better
or worse?
We also use salt to change things. When we put salt on ice it melts
and destroys it. Salt can be corrosive, it can tear thing apart. We are
encouraged by Jesus to use the love of Christ that is in our hearts to
improve the situation. Jesus cautions that if we lose our focus and our
“salt” is no longer affective we become useless.
We have the opportunity each moment we live to affect those around
us, either for good or evil. We decide how we will use our influence. When
we choose to be destructive our ability to claim the love of Christ and help
others is gone. Our witness is no longer respected.
When we find ourselves under pressure we need to be aware of how we
are demonstrating our faith. We need to remember who is in control. We need
to avoid losing our saltiness, our credibility, our witness.
Think of it this way. You can be an egg or a carrot or coffee
beans. Let me explain, when we place each on of these in the heat of the
moment, boiling water, they react differently. An egg becomes hard-boiled.
It’s insides change from liquid to solid. Our heart gets hard. Carrots on
the other hand get soft and mushy. They start off rigid and strong but end
up all mushy, no backbone, no firm foundation to stand on. Now coffee beans
on the other hand do not change, they remain the same. They do however
change the water. The water becomes aromatic and tasty. The water becomes
desirable. The coffee beans do not change but they improve the water. Which
one are we. When pressure comes do we harden our heart, loose our foundation
or add to the situation in a way that improves it? Don’t loose your
saltiness.
Jesus put in each one of us a light that will dispel the darkness.
Don’t hide your light, let it shine. Have you ever been in a cave and the
lights went out. You cannot see your hand in front of your face. Then you
light a match, a little flame, amazing how much light it provides. You are
the same kind of light. We, as Christians, have the same opportunity to
light the darkness others are experiencing. When all hope is gone the light
of one who knows Jesus can bring hope to the world.
Have you ever tried to stumble around in the dark? Even in your own
home, you think you know where things are, but you still stub your toe and
stumble. When we hide our light we cause others to stumble around in the
darkness. When we keep the love of God to ourselves and do not share it we
leave others to find their own way in the darkness. Let you light shine! Put
it on a lamp stand and help others find their way.
Jesus used these two analogies to demonstrate two important
functions we have as Christians. We need to improve the lives of others and
shine our light to help them find their way. Have we improved the lives of
those around us or have we been an obstacle? The first lesson Jesus taught
us in this passage is that we have a responsibility to lead others. Whether
we realize it or not we are leading. Make sure you are leading people to
what is right.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
LOCAL RACING WINDS DOWN - With
Thompson crowing their champions and just a few races left at many tracks
around the Northeast lets us know the most exciting part of the racing
season is here. Thompson’s Sunoco Modified championship was a tie and had to
be settled by most wins. Keith Rocco edged out Woody Pitkat for the title.
I am looking forward to see how the dust settles on the remaining
championships to be awarded. Take some time to take in some live racing
action.
STILL RECOVERING - Just wanted to let you know that our
Chaplains who have been struggling to over come some medical issues are
doing great. Bobby Somers is gaining strength every day and Rev. Dan is
almost back to his old self. Thank you for your prayers and concerns.
We are looking forward to celebrating with all of you as your
seasons yield the results of your efforts. Even those who don’t achieve a
championship have victories to celebrate. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
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
TheChromeHorn RWJM Archives
Racing With Jesus Ministries Website |
