.
As we move toward Easter it is important to see the hope that the Risen
Savior offers. Answered prayers hold the promise of hope. They let us know
that God hears our requests and provides for our needs. As Christ hung on
the cross he spoke, he answered a prayer. Greetings in the name of our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ.
When things are hopeless, when the future looks dim, when we cannot see what
tomorrow holds for us we turn to God and ask for his help. That is prayer, a
conversation with God. Does he hear them? Does he answer them? The simple
answer is yes, but His answer isn’t always the one we expect.
You and I both know it is easier to receive help from someone you know.
Having a relationship with God helps us understand the answer and allows us
the opportunity to ask for an explanation.
I have seen it many times at the track, the willingness to help one
another makes it a special group of people to be around; teams helping teams
so that they can race. We all understand the challenges to get to the track
and have your car ready. Then something breaks and you don’t have a spare.
That is when you know who your friends are.
That is the key; those who know us and care about us are willing to help
us. If you walked up to a total stranger and asked for twenty bucks, how
likely would you be to get it? On the other hand if you walked up to a
friend and asked the chances are they would give you whatever you needed,
probably forty or fifty.
Jesus found himself nailed to the cross, enduring the pain for you and
me. He was there between two thieves, one on his right, and one on his left.
He was there for us, they were there because they deserved it. He still had
compassion for those who sought him out.
Luke 23:32-43, Two
other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him,
along with the criminals--one on his right,
the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not
know what they are doing."
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said,
"He saved others;
let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and
said,
"If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE
JEWS.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the
Christ? Save yourself and us!"
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since
you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this
man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in
paradise."
Jesus speaks from the cross as he answers the prayer of a criminal.
He heard his request and answered. The criminal only asked for mercy, Christ
accepted him into paradise.
Look at the contrast of the criminals on the crosses, one belligerent and
hurling insults, the other had a fear of God, a respect for Christ. In this
simple yet deep display we see the options available to us, nothing more;
nothing less. They sum up the two options, for or against. There is no
middle ground; we either honor God or we don’t.
The thief on the right asked Jesus to remember Him when he came into his
kingdom. Look closely, not if you come into your kingdom, when. He had done
some terrible things in his life, terrible enough to be sentenced to death.
He understood that that was unacceptable to God and he prayed to the only
one who could save him, Jesus.
Jesus responded, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Salvation is
that simple, acknowledge God and ask for his forgiveness. God will receive
you into His kingdom. Jesus still wasn’t focused on his needs he was focused
on the needs of those around him.
How easily are we distracted from the needs of those around us? How
easily do we get lost in our own difficulties and challenges that we forget
what is going on around us? How many times do we push someone away because
we don’t have time? How often are we so wrapped up in ourselves that we
cannot see those around us?
Jesus wasn’t too busy or distressed to hear the prayer of a lost soul. He
set an example for us to follow. We need to set aside our own difficulties
to take time and listen to those around us. Let us make every effort to
focus on the needs of others and not on our own.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
CHANGES BEGIN - As Spring has been
delayed this year the compounding effect has started to take place. Thompson
had to pull the plug on open practice this past Saturday because of that
four-letter word that begins with “S”. It did not prevent them from doing
some pre-season inspection as they prepare for the Ice Breaker in a few
weeks.
With the iffy conditions NASCAR was in town to get a firsthand look at
what the delayed Spring had in store. They visited the New London-Waterford
Speedbowl and Thompson International Motorsports Park to get an idea where
everyone stood for the upcoming season.
Inspections did take place at Thompson, thanks to the new garage
facility. I am sure conducting inspections in the confines of a dry garage
was much better than doing them out under a canopy in the snow. Thanks to
the changes at Thompson we could get something accomplished.
BOD MEETING - We were able to have a meeting of the directors for
RWJM despite the conditions. The news out of the meeting was extremely
positive and they are excited about the new opportunities that will be
available to us as we move forward this year. We hope to share them with you
as the season gets going. 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.
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
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
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