We come to the closing weeks of another racing season. In
the pressure of achieving our goals we can lose focus on the things that
matter. Sometimes we don’t respond in a way that honors God. We need to
remember, even in the heat of the moment, that we belong to God. We need to
remember that we need to reflect his character not ours. Greetings in the
name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
One of the most challenging things to do in racing is to keep your
composure when everything around you is going crazy. Learning how to do that
is difficult. It requires that we endure situations that test us and strain
us. But when we develop that composure we go a long way toward responding in
a way that honors God.
What does it take to win a race? As we think about that let’s
decide if our thoughts are valid. I thought, you need a fast car, but the
fastest car doesn’t always win. I thought, you need a car that can get out
front and lead, but the car that leads the most laps doesn’t always win the
race. I thought, you need the skills and talent to drive a racecar, but the
most skilled driver doesn’t always win. I then thought surely that a skilled
team that can make the necessary changes during the race would win, but the
best team doesn’t always win. Well as you can see it is difficult to put
your finger on the necessary ingredients to win.
What does it take to win? I guess that depends on the race you are
running.
To run a race at the track we need all the things mentioned above,
we need them to come together on race day but that doesn’t guarantee
victory. We need to run the race. We also need to finish the race. Things
will happen as we run the race that will have a significant impact on the
outcome. If we don’t finish we can never win.
Running the race properly involves responding to situations in a
way that honors God. If we do not handle ourselves correctly we will not
finish the race. How should we run to ensure we will finish? Listen to what
Paul writes.
1Corinthians 9:24-27, Do you not know that in a
race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as
to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict
training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get
a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running
aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and
make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not
be disqualified for the prize.
I am reminded of the story of David and
Goliath. If we look at the two competitors the race was over before it
began. On one side we have the giant Goliath, an experienced fighter and
intimidating. On the other side we have a Shepard boy with no armor, just
his sling and staff. There was however something that tipped the scales in
David’s favor; God. Goliath fought with his own strength and power. David
fought not only with his strength and skill, but also with the blessing of
God. You see to run the race in a way as which to win, you must race within
the will of God.
Paul points out three things that are important. God blesses us
when we follow His direction. When we choose to take things on with our own
strength and understanding we are not running in a way as which to win.
Don’t run aimlessly. In order to finish the race we must know where
the finish line is and the way to get there. God provides a direction for
us. Seek Him out and follow His guidance. He is the best crew chief going.
Don’t fight against things that are not there. Too many times we
spend our energy worrying about things that haven’t even happened. We get
anxious and try to predict the future, don’t get caught up chasing the
shadows of things that are not there. Deal with what is real and use the
wisdom and strength of God.
Don’t be disqualified. We can reason our way out of doing the
things that are right. We find excuses to justify the choices we make. We
cannot let ourselves give in to our selfish desires, but instead we must do
what is right. We can justify anything we do with many reasons, but that
doesn’t make it right. We must do what is right in the eyes of God.
Paul adds that there is a way to respond that honors God. We need
to reflect the character of God when we run the race. Only then can we have
victory when we finish the race.
Ephesians 4:1a-3, I urge you to live a life
worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be
patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the
unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Many times we race against competitors
who are full of themselves. They strut around like they are so great. They
are full of pride and arrogance. I am here to tell you if you get drawn into
that thought process you will never experience the joy of victory. Don’t get
me wrong you can still be competitive and a tenacious combatant and still
honor God. The secret is not to think more of yourself than you ought to.
Look at David and how he was able to be victorious over Goliath.
Goliath laughed at him when he walked on the battlefield. Goliath
insulted him and the nation he represented. Goliath didn’t take him
seriously. David wasn’t defeated by the arrogance of Goliath. He placed a
rock in his sling and flung one stone striking Goliath in the forehead and
killing him.
We need to remember what we have been called to and run the race in
a way that will honor God. We will not wilt when the circumstances seem to
be overwhelming, the pressure seems too much. Whatever we do will prosper,
we will taste victory. Look forward to experiencing God’s blessings. Run in
such a way as to win! Finish with the blessing of God.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
A DEAR FRIEND AND SUPPORTER - Spencer
Leavitt Bowen, 88, went peacefully home to be with the Lord on Sept. 17,
2013. He was a life long resident of Eastford, Ct. Spencer was an honest and
trusted business man running/working in the family business, Bowen's Garage
in Eastford, for more than 75 years. He worked everyday until Sept. 2008
when he retired at the age of 83. He was a long time member of Eastford
Baptist Church , where he served as Deacon, head usher and bell ringer for
many years. He was a member of the Gideon's Northeast Camp for over 35
years.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years Arline (Marvin)
Bowen, his children Nancy and Carl Norman of Woodstock, Ct, Marjorie and
Steve Krug of Catonsville, Md, Stephen and Diana Bowen of Eastford, Ct, his
grandchildren, Jason and Melissa Norman of Elizabethtown, Pa, Michael and
Jenn Norman of Eastford, Ct, Joanna and Rich Fitte of Woodstock, Ct,
Alexandra Krug of Ashville, NC, Rebekah and Ryan Ciliax of Catonville, Md,
Jonathan and Carriel Bowen of Eastford, Ct, 7 great grand children, his
sister Betsy Erickson, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Nancy Ann, and his brothers,
Charles and Russell.
Spencer's memorial service will be held on Monday September 23rd at
6pm at Eastford Baptist Church at 133 Union Road in Eastford , CT. The
service will be followed by an ice cream social in honor of Spencer. The
garage will close at 3pm that day.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Bowen’s Family.
NEMA AT OSWEGO - Tara Stoehr sent in this report from NEMA’s
visit to Oswego:
Oswego Speedway; winding down the season. Three races left.
What a great, safe weekend. Oswego is a class act! All divisions in the
infield, everyone unloaded their trailers and parked them out in the parking
lot. The show moved along nicely, great racing!
At the Driver's meeting I shared; Racing with Jesus Ministries was
founded back in 1980 by the late Rev Pat Evans-His vision was to be a racers
church. One of the reasons it's called the racers church is because for many
of us this is the only church we attend during the week. You don't "need" a
building to have a church. Scripture says God values devoted obedience far
more than adherence to religious regulations. It's about a relationship with
Him, not a religion. God is concerned with our hearts. So what is the
condition of your heart these days?
I read once that "the human heart was not created to be a container
for hate". When there is hate, bitterness, anger there is also conviction.
You may be able to fool other people, but you can't fool God. God's
conviction is his way of trying to lead us toward a contrite heart, broken
and humbled before Him, which will lead us to repent and turn to him. You
don't have to earn His acceptance or work for his care. When you spend time
in His presence he teaches you His ways and how to live each day. Thank you
God that you did not send your son into the world to judge the world but
that the world might be saved through Him, so when we put our faith and
trust in Jesus we will have life eternal, we will never be perfect but we
will have joy, peace, hope and direction when we follow Him!
Thanks Tara for that report.
LIVES CHANGED - As I read a report this week from one of our
Chaplains I found it interesting how many lives we touch through our
outreach. It is important for us to remember that no matter where we are
there are lives for us to touch. Let share a little about the lives we
touch.
A driver and his girlfriend searching for direction in life and
their relationship have found that direction and made changes in their
schedules to make a place for God.
An Official needing comfort and prayer for family members that are
suffering with the difficult medical conditions found comfort and prayer in
the presence of one of our Chaplains.
A team member who is a faithful chapel attendee and Christian was
questioned at work about his faith and was able to share why he races and
what the presence of RWJM means to the competitors.
As we continue to reach out to those in the racing community there
are a few we need to lift up in prayer. K&N Official Steve Nestroyl is
headed back to the doctor for some additional tests as a result of what they
saw in a checkup. Also Tinker, crew member with the #99 Tour Modified of
Jamie Tomaino, is entering chemo and radiation treatments for his condition.
We are in the business of changing people’s lives. We are here to
help. Do not hesitate to call on us.
RIVERHEAD REVISITED - One thing was evident as we came back
to Riverhead for our second visit, the more laps you have at this place the
better your chances of winning. The front of the field was loaded with
Riverhead regulars and Tour drivers who cut their teeth driving Mods on the
quarter mile bull ring. The one exception was Ryan Preece, but he made up
for lost time this year by running at Riverhead every week he had the chance
to. That strategy has proved successful as he has swept the last three tour
races on the Island .
Saturday night he and Timmy Solomito waged an epic struggle for the
top spot as caution flags ruled the night. Each restart saw these two side
by side, lap after lap. Eventually Preece got by with the laps winding down
to take the victory.
This wasn’t a race for the ages, but it is Riverhead and sometimes
this is how it plays out. As was said by some competitors, you take what you
get and press on to the next race. They won’t have to wait long, Thursday
the haulers roll into New Hampshire Motor Speedway. We’ll see both the K&N
and Whelen Modified families in New Hampshire ; should be a great time at
the track.
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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News",
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
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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
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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