|
.
 John
15:13: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life
for his friends.
Our country is built on the foundation of
freedom and the willingness to sacrifice for the common good. God
established at the foundation of creation that Christ would give His life
for our freedom. This weekend we remember those who selflessly gave their
lives for our freedom. Take a moment and reflect on how we are living our
lives; are we willing to give it all for the benefit of someone else?
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Also sandwiched in between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day is the day we
remember those who currently serve us in the Armed Forces. The third
Saturday in May is Armed Forces Day. Every day in every corner of the world
men and women have set their lives aside to protect the freedoms that we
enjoy. They have put their families on hold. They have missed birthdays,
weddings, births and deaths. Why, to serve us. They go to defend our right
to freedom; to defend our right to go to the track of our choice and enjoy
racing; to defend our right to say whatever we want; to defend our right to
protest; to defend our right to vote and have a say in how this country is
run.
America is still the greatest nation on the earth because of these men
and women. People from around the world still want to come here because of
the freedoms we enjoy. We need to appreciate what we have been given and
recognize those who sacrifice in service to maintain it. Don’t be guilty of
complacency; let them know you are thankful for their sacrifice.
One of the basic concepts of life is give and take. Life is much more
rewarding and fulfilling when we learn the balance of giving and taking.
When our life seems out of sorts, it can be traced to this being out of
balance. We are either taking too much or giving too much. You can decide
which one you are prone to do.
Think about it in racing terms, when we have a race where there is some
give and take the racing is better. When someone is out there and all they
are doing is taking, the racing gets heated and sloppy. The other drivers
are frustrated and the results are not the best. Conversely, when all
someone does is pull over and let everyone pass the racing isn’t very
exciting either. When there is a balance there is better racing.
The concept of giving one’s life for the benefit of others is not new.
This is the greatest gift someone can give. The problem arises when we take
it for granted. When we do not remember and say thank you we become the
takers. We need to be motivated to give because of the opportunity we have
been given.
Think about times in your life when you have been given something,
something of great value. If your first feeling is that you don’t deserve it
that is good. Then if you are motivated to give back that is great. It is
when we have the attitude that we deserved it that we falter. Compassion has
its roots in our willingness to give when we have been provided for.
Our country is based on the right response to the gift of freedom we have
been given by those who gave their lives for us. If we respond with an
attitude that we deserve this we are wrong. The right response is to express
a deep appreciation to those who have given so much. This appreciation
should motivate us to give as we have been given to.
God gave us the opportunity to overcome our shortcomings. He loved us and
didn’t want us to live our lives in vain, separated from His guidance and
wisdom. He provided a way for us to receive forgiveness. Out of love for us,
He provided Jesus.
John 3:16-18, "For God
so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to
save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe
stands condemned already
because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
As you read these verses you can see how the
proper response is one of believing and accepting this gift. Without a
proper response to the gift we have been given we condemn ourselves to
living life and eternity separated from God.
I would encourage you to develop the right spirit in your heart.
Recognize the gift of freedom we have been given by those who have given
their lives for us. Go out this week and drive through a cemetery, look at
the American Flags that adorn the graves of the veterans who have paid the
ultimate price. Take a moment to say thank you and pray for the family that
lost this person. Let them know that you appreciate their sacrifice.
Likewise, remember the gift of forgiveness that has been provided to us
by God, and say thank you to Him. Let Him know how much you appreciate His
sacrifice for our freedom from the consequences of sin.
After we have said our thanks, commit to live a life that demonstrates
that appreciation. Live like you have been given a tremendous gift, the gift
of freedom to live.
1Peter 3:8-12,
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love
as brothers,
be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with
insult, but with blessing,
because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
I am thankful to those of you who support this
ministry and give us the freedom to do what God leads us to do. They’re our
sponsors and they allow us to share the message of Good News. Until next
time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless.
Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank
You.
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.
 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
TheChromeHorn RWJM Archives
Racing With Jesus Ministries Website
|
