.
As we close out our look into some of the common questions people have
about Christianity we come to the point where it is often asked; so what
does it all mean. How is this relevant to the life I live and the situations
I face every day? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ.
What is relevant to our lives can be seen from two perspectives, ours and
theirs. What is relevant has to do with relating to others, relationships.
Everything we do in life is built on relationships.
Think about racing, the one thing that makes it work is the relationships
we build. They are lasting and important. The racing community is one tied
together by what they all have in common, what they can relate to.
While I was at Volusia I ran into an old friend, Mike McLaughlin. He was
banging out some sheet metal for his son Max’s dirt modified. It was great
to have a chance to touch base and talk about where life was leading us. We
had common ground, we could relate, all because of racing.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,
12; Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other
succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone
who falls alone is in real trouble.
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand
back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord
is not easily broken.
Ecclesiastes helps us understand that we need these relationships for
life to have meaning. We need these relationships because that is the way we
were created. We are a people who are dependent on each other, we must
relate to each other.
Relationships are not about others serving us, they are about serving
others. When we put the interest of others above our own we make a
difference in people’s lives.
Hebrews 10:24-25a; Let
us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but
encourage one another, …
We have seen it many times in the garage, someone needs help. The
community rallies around them and makes every effort to help the one in
need. Not only as it relates to racing but as it relates to life. Many times
we face life events that have nothing to do with racing but the racing
community rallies around us and supports us, encourages us and provides for
our needs.
That is how Christianity is relevant today, coming together to meet the
needs of those around us. Some of us act more like Christ than we ever
thought possible. We have overcome the desire to serve ourselves and look
around to see how we can help someone else. Many times we are not aware of
the needs of others but something inside us urges us to check on someone.
That is the Holy Spirit, he speaks to us and helps us meet the needs of
others.
Christianity is relevant today more than ever. We live in a world that is
consumed by selfishness and motivated by greedy desires. Watch the news, it
is there. Everything that is wrong today has its foundation in self desire.
No concern for others and their welfare. Christ came to change that, He came
to show us the best way to live. Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, His
life, for us, even while we were not following God.
Christianity means, Christ like. We can only claim to be Christ like if
in fact we approach life and live like Christ did. We need to remember that
as we ask ourselves is Christianity relevant today. It is only relevant if
we make the effort.
Philippians 2:1-11; Is there any
encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love?
Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and
compassionate?
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving
one another,
and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others
as better than yourselves.
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others,
too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to
cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a
slave and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and
died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the
name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and
under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the
Father.
Relevant is a term that has significance when we are willing to
relate to others. We can choose to make a difference in this world by being
like Christ. There are many difficulties and challenges, they are proclaimed
by the media every day. We must ask ourselves; how have I tried to relate
Christ’s teachings to others?
In his book, He Is There and He Is Not Silent, Francis A. Schaeffer
challenges us;
“Let’s put away the headlines and talk about our own lives. Civil
wars around the globe aren’t all that different from the uncivil behavior in
our own homes, (and communities). How can people get along with people
especially when they’re being so unlovable? Jesus gave us the model of
servanthood, non-retaliation and forgiveness. Through the Holy Spirit, he
also provides the power his people need to break the grip of (selfishness).
All too often Christians have made their faith seem musty, hanging on to
customs and language from past generations.”
What we have is new, fresh, relevant, life changing. It is Good News! Not
only good, but news! More relevant news that you will ever see in the media
or encounter in your daily life.
John 3:17; God sent his Son into the
world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
John 10:10; The thief’s purpose is to steal and
kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
John 14:6; Jesus told him, “I am the way, the
truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
WAITING, WAITING, WAITING - Watching
snow melt is about as exciting as watching paint dry! We sit and wait,
knowing race season is just around the corner. Our mouth has been watered
with a taste of racing in Florida. Now if we could only fire up the engines.
I was inspired to see what Oaklane Quarter Midget Track did. It took many
hours but they shoveled the snow off the track and ran the introductory
course for new racers. Snow is easier to move when it isn’t in liquid form!
I am also encouraged to see what is being released by the new leadership
at New London-Waterford Speedbowl. They have a great racing slate set up for
the new year and I think there will be a reason for many to check out the
racing action. It is important for us all to support this effort, as we need
to do with all our local tracks, to keep them operating. Complacency will
only lead to fewer options.
As we look ahead make your plans to attend some local, live racing, there
is nothing quite like it.
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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articles.
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Please remember, we can only do what we do because of your prayerful
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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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