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  The Chrome Horn - Racing With Jesus Ministries

HOPE FOR TOMORROW
by Rev. Don Rivers

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  As we prepare for the season ahead, what are your hopes? What are your dreams? The thief on the cross had one request and he brought it to Jesus. What about us? What have we brought before the throne of God? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  The Hospital Window

  Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

  Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

  The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

  One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

  Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

  As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

  Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

  There is tremendous joy in giving others hope, despite our own situations. Joy when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

  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 gave hope and security, he answered a prayer. 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? That depends on if you have a relationship with him. You and I both know it is easier to receive help from someone you know. I have said it many times at the track, racers willingness to help one another make it a special group of people to be around. I have seen it many times, teams helping teams so that they could 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.

  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 another on his left. He was there for us, they were there because the deserved it. Even on the cross we see that Jesus still had compassion for those who sought him out.

Luke 23:39-43; nlt, One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? 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, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

  Jesus speaks from the cross as he answers a prayer. 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. Together they sum up the two options, for or against. There is no middle ground. You either honor God or you 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 the needs of those around us?

  Jesus wasn’t too busy or distressed to hear the prayer of a lost soul. He has set an example for us to follow. Let us take some time and listen to those around us. Let us make every effort to focus on the needs of others and not on our own.

  Christ gave his life to give us hope. As the thief on the cross accepted his fate and turned to Christ he received freedom from the consequences of his lifestyle. We can turn to Christ and receive hope for today and tomorrow.
 

  THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

  MISSED IT - I am disappointed that I was unable to get to any of the indoor races this year. Scheduling just didn’t allow me the flexibility to attend. Please accept my apologies. We are blessed though that Bob Menschner could be there and lifted each event up before the Lord seeking His blessing. We have such a wonderful bunch of chaplains, thanks Bob.

  LOOKING AHEAD - Rev. Ray sent this in from West Springfield: If the Frank Maratta’s Auto Show was the elixir for the Winter "blues", then Cabin Fever has passed, and Spring Fever has broken out. The fans, sponsors, owners, teams and tracks represented are anxiously awaiting the rumble of engines and the smell of rubber. It all begins here in the Northeast, April 10th. with the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, followed by the April 24th. Spring Sizzler at Stafford Motor Speedway; rounded out with the Waterford161 May 14th. at New London-Waterford Speedbowl. Whew! Strap in, pull 'em up tight, get ready to "go green" and hang on for some exciting racing. Let's go racing.

  Thanks Ray, many of the tracks have been working hard this winter to update their tracks for both the fans and the racers. New London/Waterford Speedbowl has embarked on a new catchfence and wall. There are also improvements down at Riverhead.

  I had the chance to talk with new Riverhead owner Ed Partridge while I was down in Florida. He shared that things are moving along and people will be surprised when they come in. He has updated the concession areas providing for a better fan experience. He did share that there was much more to running a race track than turning the gate key. He is excited and looking forward to the new season and new opportunities.

  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 www.rwjm.com. 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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Source: Rev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: March 4, 2016

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