Things in life change, just as the seasons change so it goes with life.
Change is a constant. In New England they say “if you don’t like the
weather, wait a minute.” If change is inevitable and time marches on what
are we doing to insure we influence the direction of the future? We need to
act in a way that will have a lasting effect on tomorrow. Greetings in the
name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Remember the old days? I am sure we all have stories of events, races,
locked in our memory forever. We can recall them like they were yesterday.
What about favorite drivers? We all have certain ones that for one reason or
another we remember; memories that are burned into our minds forever.
How about heroes? There are people we look up to, separate them from others
in our lives, as we seek to use their lives as motivation for ours. Do you
have some heroes in your life? Do you look up to someone and desire to be
like them?
I think we all do in one form or another. Sometimes it can take over our
lives and everything we do revolves around them. It becomes an act of
worship. We need to be careful that we don’t let it get to that point; God
is the only one worthy of worship.
I got on this subject because of something that happened at Waterford a
few weeks ago; we had a driver burned in a fire. He will recover but the
fact remains he didn’t have to suffer the injury if he had taken the right
safety precautions; something as simple as wearing fireproof underwear. How
are we influencing Generation Next with our actions?
As I reflected on this Tara Stoehr shared some thoughts God placed on her
heart about the subject; Tara is the Chaplain that follows NEMA, a race wife
and mom. She has a vested interest in Generation Next. Here are her
thoughts, thank you Tara.
This topic has been heavy on my heart for sometime and God outlined it
more clearly this past week. Before I begin, please understand that there is
no condemnation or judgment with this message. I'm just sharing my heart.
If you were given the choice to wear a helmet while racing - what would
you do? If you were given the choice to wear a firesuit while racing what
would you do? I'm sure you’re all saying "of course I would". Well,
unfortunately we are given the choice to wear fireproof underwear. How many
of you wear them?
Some of you have gone from go-karts with about a quart of fuel to the
midgets with up to 21 gallons of methanol and still don't wear fireproof
underwear. We need to ask ourselves why we don't wear them and then decide
if our answer is a good enough reason not to wear them. Believe me, I've
heard many reasons and not one of them makes any sense to me.
Can you tell your loved ones that you took every precaution necessary to
protect yourself from harm? What example are you setting for the next
generation; for our own children?
Greg and I have two girls who race and were taught to wear them even in
the go-karts. Greg is a driver and always wore them. We NEVER compromised
safety. Our girls are not allowed to get into a racecar without them. It's
our duty as parents and role models. No excuses - no exceptions!
When you are on fire, seconds count and if the fireproof underwear allows
you a few more seconds, why wouldn't you wear them?
None of us are invincible - don't think it can't happen to you. We can
walk away from this and choose for ourselves. No condemnation or judgment,
just remember there is someone who cares. Listen to the words Peter shares
with us about our responsibility to Generation Next.
1Peter 5:2-5; Care for your flock that God has
entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly,
not grudgingly-not for what you will get out of it, but because you are
eager to serve God.
Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your
own good example.
And when the great shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of
never-ending glory and honor.
In the same way, you younger men (and women) must accept the authority of
the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for God opposes
the proud but favors the humble"
Thank you again Tara , a timely message to us about our responsibilities
to our self and those who are watching and following our example.
We all share in the responsibility to set the right example for the next
generation. We also have a responsibility to guide those around us in the
way that is right, true and honorable. I sometimes look at the example I set
and find it necessary to go before God and ask His forgiveness.
If we look at God’s Word we see that Paul cared for and took several
young men under his wing. He taught them about God and how to live a life
that honors God. One of those men was Timothy. He charged Timothy to keep at
it, follow the teachings he had been taught. Show the world the difference
Christ can make in your life.
2 Timothy 4:1-5, I solemnly urge you in the
presence of God and Christ Jesus,
who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his
Kingdom:
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.
Patiently correct, rebuke,
and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when
people will no longer listen to sound
and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for
teachers who will tell them
whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and
chase after myths.
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of
suffering for the Lord.
Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God
has given you.
For me this passage holds special meaning. On the day that I was ordained to
the Gospel Ministry, T. Marshall Thompson read this passage to me. He was my
mentor, my Paul. He spent his time helping me learn to handle God’s word
correctly. He helped me learn how to be bolder for Christ. He encouraged me
to run the race in such a way as to win.
A short time after he read this passage to me T. Marshall left this earth
to join God in heaven. I will never forget the impression he made on me and
the things he taught me. When I am faced with challenges beyond my
understanding I think about T. Marshall and what he would tell me to do. He
is still with me.
Let me ask a couple of questions; have you taken the time to pass along
what you have learned in your life and help someone learn? Have you sought
out someone with more experience than you and let them guide you? What have
we done to continue the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
There is much we do not know and will not learn unless we let someone
teach us. There are many challenges in life that we cannot get through
without someone there to encourage us. Take some time and be a teacher, an
encourager. Make the effort to ask for help from someone who knows how. The
experiences we endure in life are only valuable if we learn from them. Let
us make every effort to help and encourage one another.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
R&R?
- As I wrote last week I headed off to Maine with Lynda to visit her folks
and some R&R. Well, along the way I caught something and ended up in bed for
several days with a high fever. I had a beautiful view though. It took an
extra day in Maine to chase the clouds away and get back on my feet. I’m
home now resting comfortably. Thanks for all your prayers.
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.
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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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