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  The Chrome Horn - Racing With Jesus Ministries

   02/28/2014


DEDICATED
by Rev. Don Rivers
 

  This past weekend we had a special service at Mount Carmel Christian Church. We gathered together with the Rocco and Ceravolo families for the dedication of KJ Rocco. It was a time for each of us to remember the influence we have on the lives around us. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  Have you ever given any thought about what we are dedicated to? What is it that above all else we will pursue? That is what it means to be dedicated to something. Many times our dedication to something gets in the way of what is truly important. We should stop and take a look around, is our dedication getting in the way of serving God?

  Many of us have a passion in our heart for racing. Above all else we will pursue the chance to race, the opportunity to be at the track. We can be consumed by that passion so much so that we leave all else behind. Then one day we realize how much that pursuit has kept us from what is truly important in life.

  As I walked through the pits at New Smyrna I saw that contrast very clear. A certain Cup driver who had competed at the sports top level for many years now was just a dad. I didn’t want to bother him as he enjoyed the racing through his son’s eyes. But I couldn’t help but wonder why he made the switch from driver to dad.

  It was evident as he stood next to the fence watching his son compete that he was just a dad. No fans clamoring for his autograph, no sponsor laden clothes on his back. He was there to help his son pursue his dream. He blended in like most dads and to their credit everyone respected that and let him.

  We all have multiple roles in life and many times we get confused as to which one has priority. We struggle to balance the responsibilities that come with being a spouse and parent. What are we dedicated to?

  This past Sunday we dedicated ourselves to raising this new life, a blessing from God, in the way of the Lord. Scripture reminds us of the importance of training up our children in the way they should go.

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT); Direct your children onto the right path,
and when they are older, they will not leave it.

  But what if we do not know what the right path is? What if we are confused as to what we should be dedicated to?

Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT); 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat?
What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers,
but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,
and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

  One of the challenges of living is the pursuit of things we want, not necessarily what we need. That is where we get derailed, go off the right path. We get distracted by the desire for what we want and forget what we truly need.

  If we dedicate our lives to what we want we will not be satisfied or fulfilled. We only receive that when we pursue the things of God. He is the only thing that can fill the void in our lives that longs to be filled. We can have everything and still feel empty. That is because we were dedicated to the wrong pursuit.

  Scripture teaches us to seek first the Kingdom of God and live right. How are we doing there? I must confess I do not always seek what is right. I sometimes fall into the trap of seeking what makes me feel good. I seek the things I want. It is only when I attain them that I realize I am still empty. I have taken the wrong path.

  There is a reason for the priority that God sets. It is for our benefit. He created us and knows what is best for us. Are we ready to be dedicated to the pursuit of things that honor God? Only then can we have the hope of being fulfilled and satisfied.

  As I watch the world around us fall into destruction I can only think that if we change the direction of our pursuits we just might have the opportunity to reverse the direction of things. I would like to encourage each of us to be dedicated to the pursuit of pleasing God first and watch as He adds all the things we need to our life.

Prayer of Dedication

Lord God, our Father in Heaven, we make a commitment today to dedicate our lives to you,
to pursue your knowledge and love, to abide by that commitment even if it means personal sacrifice.
Lord we ask that you bless those who stand before you today and make that commitment.
Lord through your power and grace enable us to honor the words we have said here today; in Jesus name, AMEN.

 

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

  RUDE AWAKENING  - What a fine welcome we received as we traveled back from Daytona, ICE. We decided to press on and make the trip in one shot and things were going well until we hit the ice. I don’t think anything is quite as deflating as having to slow down as you get closer to home. As we delicately tiptoed home we saw many who learned the hard way that no matter how many wheel drive you have, ice is still slippery.

  I am thankful for the necessary level of concentration needed after being on the road for 17 hours to deliver Lynda and I home safe. God truly was with us. Thank you.

  RACING INTO 2014 - The season has started and the K&N teams already have two races in the books and one winner, Daniel Suarez. After out dueling Cameron Hayley by less than a car length at New Smyrna on Sunday night he finished off a perfect start to the season by winning the Battle at the Beach on Tuesday. After finishing third last year Suarez is doing his best to secure the 2014 crown.

  BATTLE AT THE BEACH MOD SQUAD STYLE - After a Tuesday night under the lights at Daytona that saw Doug Coby take home the victory some of the teams headed south to New Smyrna Speedway. With the addition of some quality teams the racing heated up at the famed half-mile. Ken Barry and Justin Bonsignore took the time to get to know the Spafco chassis that Justin will use on both the Whelen Modified Tour and the Valenti Modified Racing Series. They are quick learners, after a fifth place finish in the John Blewett Memorial on Wednesday night they won both Thursday and the Richie Evans Memorial on Friday. This has the makings of a potent combination to look out for this year. It would be great to see the Barry family back in victory lane on The Tour.

  NEW CHAPLAINS AT THE TRACK - One of the blessings of Speedweeks was the addition of TB Smith of Fruitland Park , Florida as the Chaplain for Bubba Speedway Park . Also Volusia Speedway Park requested us to help them find a chaplain as they are going to be running a weekly program this year. Pray for TB and another worker in the field for Volusia. God is at work, let’s join Him.

  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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SourceRev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: February 28, 2014

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