With Halloween behind us we look forward to the two big holidays that close
out the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Holidays can be a joyful time
spent with friends and family or it can be a difficult time for some. We
have the chance to make a difference in the lives of those around us, Pass
the Salt. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In the “The Sermon on the Mount” Jesus taught some of the most
significant lessons to his disciples we will learn as Christians. He
reminded us of our opportunity to change situations if we have the right
focus. Much like a racer who has the right focus can change the direction of
race day.
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. How do we perform under the
microscope? People will see our true character. When they do will they see
the love of Jesus?
Many times when we put that pressure on ourselves we do not represent God
well. We lose sight of what we have been called to become in Christ. We
revert back to self-focused and self-serving ways. We forget to look around
and see what others are going through. We need to 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 …
"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.
Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus uses two analogies, salt and light. Let’s take a look at salt
first. Do you use salt?
Of course we do, we use it for a wide variety of things such as to season
food or melting ice. When we use it as a seasoning we do so to 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
makes it easier to get around. Salt can also be corrosive, when used in the
wrong way we can tear thing apart.
We are encouraged by Jesus to use the love of Christ that is in our
hearts to improve the situation. His “salt” is a seasoning that changes our
environment for the better. We need to be aware of how our presence and
influence affects those around us. We should have a favorable and welcome
influence.
Our “salt” can also be thought of as our integrity and credibility. When
we lose our integrity we lose our influence. When we lose our credibility we
lose everything. Jesus cautions us that if our “salt” is no longer affective
we become useless, thrown out on the street to be trampled by men.
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 words and actions are 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 integrity, our credibility, our influence.
Think of it this way. You can be an egg or a carrot or coffee beans. Let
me explain, when we place each of these in the heat of the moment; boiling
water, they react differently. An egg becomes hard-boiled, the inside
changes 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, lose our foundation? Or do we change
the situation in a way that improves it? Don’t lose your saltiness.
Jesus also talks about being a light shining in the darkness. In each one
of us is a light that can dispel the darkness. Don’t hide your light, let it
shine. We need to remember that we represent the light of hope to shine on
the right path for others to follow.
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 and you
are amazed at how much light it provides. We 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 your 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 other find the hope that is in Christ. 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
WORLD
FINALS DOESN’T DISAPPOINT - After an iffy weather start the track came
around and provided fans some tremendous racing on Friday and Saturday.
Veterans and rookies alike enjoyed the chance to close out the season in
Charlotte to a packed house. The World Finals continue to be a popular date
for everyone in the racing community. I even saw some of my NASCAR
acquaintances in attendance. Good racing is good racing no matter what the
surface is.
I enjoyed once again bringing the blessing at the WoO banquet. We
continue to increase our presence on the both the Late Model and Sprint Car
series. Chapel on Saturday afternoon was well attended and we see God moving
through the lives of the racers.
We continue to add to those willing to serve the racing community and
this weekend I had the opportunity to visit with a few of them. Please keep
the development of new workers in your prayers.
QUESTIONS - Have you ever listened to the questions that reporters
ask? I was amazed at some of the questions that were asked. “Do you think
you will have what it takes to win tomorrow night?”
“I had what it took to win tonight!”
The driver was right, a slower, lapped car took his line away coming to
the checkered flag and he had to lift. He lost because of the poor decision
of a lapped car. This was the second run in with this car in the race. I
wondered if the interviewer was actually watching the race.
It reminded me of a Scripture;
Proverbs 17:28 (NLT), Even fools are
thought wise when they keep silent;
with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
FINAL THOUGHTS - I am in awe of what God can do in people’s lives
when they realize that they need Him. We endure so many things needlessly.
If we had only turned things over to God and let Him guide our walk through
this world we would have focused on the things that truly are valuable.
God is gracious, He allows us to see the blessings of life in spite of
our choices and failures. It is always amazing to me to see a life that God
pulled out of the gutter, dusted off and redeemed. A life throw away,
reclaimed, restored and renewed. Then given the blessing of seeing life
through God’s eyes. God is good.
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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