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  The Chrome Horn - Racing With Jesus Ministries

   11/01/2013


BEING GENUINE
by Rev. Don Rivers
 

   For the most part the season has come to an end. As with each season we experience highs and lows. It is in those difficult times that we realize who is a genuine friend. I am thankful for the friends that have helped us through this past racing season. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

   Let me ask a question; are we genuine or imitation? Many times people say the right things, act the right way and fool us into thinking they really care for us. When in fact they are only motivated by what is in it for them. It is difficult to recognize a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I wonder if we have fallen into the trap of Hollywood , making things appear to be something they are not and have fooled those around us.

   I am pleased that for the most part the teams and officials we travel with are genuine and real. The racing family is made up of some pretty unique people, the kind you won’t find just anywhere. For the most part, aside from the creative rule interpretation, racers are genuine; actual, real, true: not false or fake; sincere and honest. That doesn’t mean we will always agree, but you will always know where someone stands.

   They feel for one another and care about each other, not only on the track but away from the track as well. I see this in their actions when the racing family has difficult times and needs support and encouragement to make it through; they are there; genuine friends to help in a time of need. I am reminded of a story in the Bible about some friends who demonstrated this.

Mark 2:1-12; A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum , the people heard that he had come home.
So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.
Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus
because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it,
lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,
"Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves,
"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them,
"Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say,
`Get up, take your mat and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ."
He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." He got up, took his mat and walked out in
full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

   Take a look at what these friends were willing to do; they knew their friend needed help. They also knew that Jesus was the one who could help. They carried their friend to Jesus. Regardless of what it cost them personally or financially they wanted their friend to get what he needed.

   Jesus, seeing the faith of the man and his friends forgave his sins. That wasn’t good enough for those who were watching though. They challenged Jesus about his authority to forgive. Jesus responded in a way that left no doubt, Get up and walk and the crippled man stood up and walked.

   Let’s take a closer look at the scene. Jesus was visiting this town and so many people wanted to see him they crowded into the room and left no room. When someone was brought to Jesus that had a true need they were unable to get to him because of the crowd. So his friends did what ever they could to get him there. They cut a hole in the roof. Who were the genuine friends?

   Many times in life we are so focused on what we want we fail to look around and see what others need. Genuine friends are sensitive to the needs of others. Not only that but they are willing to set aside their own lives to help provide for a friend in need. Which one are we? Are we the crowd that obstructs others from finding Jesus or are we the ones who, at all cost, will carry those in need to Jesus?

   Take time to reflect on this past racing season and determine if your actions brought people to Jesus or kept them away. We are called to be the light that shows the way to Jesus, have we been lighting the proper path? Are we genuine or imitation?

Isaiah 40:3-5; Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!”


THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

   WORLD DIRT FINALS - We face choices many times in life and one of the difficult choices I face many times is, where do I need to be. This year the World Dirt Finals and the North-South Shootout fall on the same weekend. I want to thank MRO for stepping up and covering the North-South Shootout and freeing me up to serve the World Racing Group. If you are down in Charlotte stop by and say hello.

   MOTORSPORTS 2014 - We are putting plans together for our display in January. I am excited to say that things are coming together and we should have several great cars and drivers for you to interact with. We look forward to seeing 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.

   Check our weekly printed pages in "Area Auto Racing News",
   the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper.

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   Check our home page www.rwjm.org for past articles.

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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
 


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PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084


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SourceRev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: November 1, 2013

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