Thanksgiving is a time of reflection. A time to look at all we have and
humble ourselves before a gracious God. We don’t always get what we want and
we don’t always understand the plans God has for us, but we can be confident
that he loves and cares for us. How has God cared for you this past year?
Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving is a time for sharing. I see it in the lives of others as
they give of themselves to help those less fortunate. A family stopped into
our shop one day; a husband, wife, son and daughter picked up some hot
drinks and muffins for the road. They were headed to pack up their Suburban
and deliver Thanksgiving baskets to those in need. There was more to the
story.
This Suburban is 1970’s vintage and as I talked with the dad he told the
story of the previous year. He worked all night rebuilding the rear-end so
that they could keep their commitment and make deliveries. They made it and
those who were collecting the food were thankful. No matter what obstacle
had to be overcome they would be there. They received such a blessing they
gave up their Saturday and delivered baskets again this year.
I think all of our hearts start to soften up a little bit when the
holidays roll around. I am not sure what hardens them the rest of the year
but I know we are more generous and willing to give. It is somewhat funny;
when the weather gets cold our hearts soften up.
One of the main reasons we have to be thankful is that we have God who
cares for us. He is there; despite what we think, guiding those who will
follow His lead through life. He is providing for our needs. I am reminded
of Paul’s statement in Scripture about his level of comfort with God’s
provision. He stated that he had learned to be content no matter whether he
had enough or was in need. Just knowing that God was with him allowed him to
relax and focus on serving others. My hope is that we can each attain that
peace.
Listen to what David writes in Psalm 100 about giving thanks to God;
Psalm 100, A psalm.
For giving thanks.
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
David reminds us of why we should give thanks to God; He is good, He
loves us forever and He is faithful throughout the generations. We find hope
in those words. Not an empty hope but a hope that will enable us to live, to
love and care for others knowing all the time that God has us covered.
I want to encourage you this Thanksgiving to let go. Let go of all the
things you have to do and follow the leading of your heart. Give this
holiday season to God and let Him lead you by the Holy Spirit. Paul gives us
this encouragement;
1Thesolonians 5:16-19,
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Have a great time relaxing and serving others this thanksgiving. God
Bless, Rev. Don.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
UNEXPECTED
RECOGNITION - We put forth most of our efforts behind the scenes, out of
the spotlight. That is okay with us, our purpose isn’t to be the center of
attention, but it is to meet people where they are and walk alongside as
they face the challenges of life. Sometimes they surprise us with a shot of
encouragement.
At the Lee USA Speedway Banquet the track, officials and competitors let
their feelings for Bobby and Vinetta Somers, the RWJM Chaplains at the
track, be known. It came as a complete surprise to them as they were called
up to receive an award of appreciation for their contribution to the racing
done at Lee and the help they provide for everyone.
RWJM is thankful for the dedication of Bobby and Vinetta as they freely
give of themselves to touch the lives of others. Thank You for serving. We
are so thankful for all our Chaplains who give of themselves each week in
service to others.
Recognition wasn’t reserved for just our Chaplains, Melissa Fifield,
rookie driver on the Whelen Modified Tour and unabashed Christian received
the most popular driver award for the 2014 season on the tour.
It isn’t an uncommon sight on social media to see the request for votes
and support. I don’t recall seeing one from Melissa. Her gentle spirit
doesn’t immediately cause you to think she is a racecar driver. She always
has a smile and is willing to take time and talk.
It is refreshing to celebrate the recognition of those who serve others
without looking for the spotlight. Thank you to all who make the effort to
encourage others every day.
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.
See our on-line Apparel
Store for subscription information.
Check our home page
http://www.rwjm.com for past
articles.
We invite you to input your thoughts as you sign our Guest Book.
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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RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
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