The Right Character
In life there are some principles that are always right, love one another is one of them. An unloving spirit has no place in God’s Kingdom. Are we loving people? Do we really care about the lives of others? Do we love others the way Jesus loved us? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Racing is a pressure packed sport. There are many things said and done in the heat of competition that, when given a chance to think about, we may very well have responded differently. We have seen it in many races where a driver’s true character showed itself and he takes it out on another driver. It is ugly.
What happens when we are no longer able to control ourselves? Our true character shows itself. Sometimes it gets very ugly. The type of person we are inside will show itself given time. We all have evil in us. But the difference Christ makes is that he can help us change from the person we are to the person we need to be. These instructions when prayerfully considered will change our life. We will be conformed to the image of God. When God promises us an abundant life He will help us learn how to receive it.
We read this passage in Chapel Service at Stafford Motor Speedway this past weekend and I wanted to spend some time talking about some of the things in it.
Colossians 3: 12-17; Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
The instructions we have received deal with our character, in other words, what goes through our heart and head. Our character dictates what comes out of our mouth and the way we behave. True character is said to show up when no one is looking. How do we behave when we do not think anyone is watching? How do we behave under pressure? Listen to what these verses say;
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
“All these” refers to the character traits revealed in these verses; compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearing and forgiveness. To these add love, peace and thankfulness. Let me point out again that all of these traits start inside a person not outside. Jesus said
Mark 7:20-23 … “What comes out of a man is what makes him `unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man `unclean.’ “
We must overcome these desires and replace them with the character of Christ. It doesn’t happen overnight, it is a process. We first need to submit to the process of change, pray for God to guide and change us. Then we must replace our old way of doing things with the new way God teaches us.
Let’s look at the three of these character traits we have read; Love; being loving means caring about others more than you care about yourself. It indicates a priority for our life. We need to make the decision in our heart to love others, put others first. When we do that we put their wants and needs above our own. Love is pretty complex and we don’t have time to cover every aspect of it here. We can sum it up like this,
John 15:13, Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Peace and thanksgiving go together. When we are truly thankful about all that God has provided for us we are at peace and know that He will continue to provide for our needs. Knowing what God has done for us gives us the trust and faith to know He will continue. Knowing God will provide provides for us gives us a peace that passes understanding in our spirit. The circumstances of our lives do not matter because we know God has a plan, His plan is good and His plan will provide for our needs. We can be thankful for what He has done and be at peace knowing He is faithful and will continue.
Romans 8:28 says; And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Do we love God? Have we submitted our life to His purpose? Have we put the needs of others ahead of our own? If we have relax, be at peace, thank God for what he has done and trust in Him that He will continue to provide for us.
This list of character traits is a challenging one. We cannot change our lives to reflect these qualities without the Holy Spirit working in our hearts. We need to reflect the character of Jesus Christ. Pray this week as you continue to study this list that the Spirit would guide you to a new understanding of the changes that need to be made. God is true and faithful and He will help you become the person He wants you to be, God Bless, Rev. Don
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
What a glorious weekend to be at the racetrack. The weather didn’t make up for one of the wettest summers on record but it went along way toward making up for some pretty miserable conditions over the past season.
Both the Camping World East and Whelen Modified Tour were in town to run the makeup for the Fall Final that was rained out in September. >From Friday afternoon through Sunday there wasn’t a cloud to be found. The racing action was just as good as the weather.
Saturday found some veterans at the top of the speed chart. For the CWES Mike Olsen climbed back into the car recently vacated by Max Dumarey and qualified second. Mighty Mike Stefanik put his Modified on the pole for the Whelen Modified portion of the show. Great runs by two former champions.
First time at Stafford proved no problem for the California Kid, Brian Ickler, all he did was set a track record and put his CWES entry on the pole. Not bad for someone who was making his first visit the legendary Connecticut half mile.
Things were gong well for Brian as he headed to the green flag on lap 140 with the lead. Coming to the line he tangled with TC and ended up spinning to the infield. As the race played out TC and Peyton Sellers made contact as TC slowed in turn four coming to the white flag. Upon further review it was determined that the contact was caused by TC slowing and the win stood for the ASM entry driven by Sellers.
Woody Pitkat drove the second Fadden Racing entry making his debut in the series. He did run in last years Toyota All-Star Showdown for Fadden Racing but that wasn’t a regular event. This time he qualified fifth and brought the car home sixth. A great showing for a hometown favorite.
The SK Mod’s took the stage with the title on the line. TC held a 14 point lead over former crew member Keith Rocco. As the race ended Keith would come out on top and win his second SKMod championship in two years, last year at Thompson and this year at Stafford. He also finished forth in the Whelen All-American series National standings. Keith will make his Whelen Modified Tour Debut next weekend at Thompson in the Brady Bunch Racing entry.
Next up were the Whelen Modified tour. Mike Stefanik had not made a visit to victory lane since last year’s Fall Final. I talked with him on Saturday and he lamented that fact. He would only have to wait 24 hours to get back there. Mike won pulling away after a late race restart beating Matt Hirschman and Chuck Hossfeld to the line.
Matt Hirschman closed in on TC cutting 20 points of his slim 55 point lead. TC now holds a slim 35 point lead heading into the final race of the season next week at Thompson. Matt’s dad Tony won a few title in the last race at Thompson, could this be like father like son. Tune in next week.
We were joined by a few friends this weekend, Dave and Ray Pavkov. Dave met us out in Ohio at Mansfield and was in town for the birth of his grandchild. Ray pastors a church down in North Haven. It was great to have them along to help out. Dave also helped us out by visiting Jimmy Savage while he recovered in Ohio. Jimmy was back at the track and Dave was there to welcome him.
We are looking forward to the World Series of Asphalt Racing at Thompson International Speedway this weekend. It will close out the regular season for us in the Northeast and crown the WMT Champion. The race is close and if you can make the trip it should be a great show. Hope to see you there.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and apparel. See them at the Online Apparel Store at www.RWJM.org. Call us with your prayer and counseling needs and list all your prayer needs, no matter what part of our racing family you are in, with the Racing Family Prayer Request Page www.rwjm.org/page/prayers.php also send your prayer request by mail. Until next time, 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 www.rwjm.org 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
CHECKERED CHEERS
***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***
October 15
RANDY & LISA LaJOIE- The Norwalk, CT born BGN/CTS driver and two-time champion and wife share their 17th anniversary.
JERRY & KAREN MARQUIS- This Enfield, CT popular Former NASCAR CWES/WMT driver and wife have their anniversary.
October 16
FRANK & LORI CANNEY- This AARN photographer and wife from Meriden, CT have their 31st anniversary.
RALPH & LINDA AUSTIN- This Sanford, ME couple, she the Barney McRae scorer, he a Barney McRae crewman, share their 38th anniversary.
October 17
RUSTY & TERRY WATKINS- This NASCAR CWES team crewman and wife have their 15th anniversary.
JIMMY & SUSAN STRUPP- The Long Islander, now turned Charlotte, North Carolinian and wife have their 20th.
October 18
STUB & CHARLOTTE FADDEN- The No. Haverhill, NH legendary NASCAR CWES driver and wife celebrate their 57th anniversary.
RUSTY & ANE BALL- This Keene, NH Claremont Speedway/TVMS Modified driver and wife have their 31th anniversary.
October 19
MIKE & KRISTIN MASSARO- The former Ellington, CT/ now North Carolina ABC/ESPN race announcer and wife share their 11th anniversary.
October 20
KRISTEN (ADAMS) AND SCOTT ROBINSON- Daugter of Thompson veteran driver Leo, HAPPY 13 YEARS.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
October 15
KRISTIN MARQUIS- Another one of Enfield, CT Karen and NASCAR CWES/ WMT driver Jerry’s kids and she celebrates on their anniversary.
October 16
SEAN WOODSIDE- Saugus, CA NASCAR West Series driver.
DON PRINGLE- Ontario, NY Street Stock driver at Spencer Speedway.
WOODY FEBRIELLO- Retired asphalt Modified team owner.
TOODI ROSATI- The former Toodi Gelinas, famous weekly racing columnist, wife of retired Modified driver John Rosati in Agawam, MA.
October 17
MARK BRIDGES- Durham, ME former Joe Bessey crewman.
October 18
KEN SPRING- aka 8-Track, the “Area Auto Racing News” and Racing with Jesus Ministries CWES photographer from Braintree, MA.
RIT DULAC- Plantsville, CT NASCAR retired Modified and CWES driver.
October 19
STUB FADDEN- The senior NASCAR CWES driver from No. Haverhill, NH.
RICK FULLER- Auburn, MA NASCAR WMT driver.
DANA PATTEN- Enfield, NH former NASCAR CWES/NNS U.S. Chrome driver.
GARY ST. AMANT- Columbus, OH late model driver.
YOLANDA SHERIDEN- Retired Riverhead Raceway lady driver.
LISA WOOD- Wife of Pelham, NH SuperModified driver Russ.
MICHELLE SAVERY- Daughter of Seekonk driver Dana and wife Laurie.
RUSS DOWD- Thompson Speedway General Manager, golden throated announcer and friend of this ministry.
HOLLY PRINGLE- Ontario, NY 2002 Stock Microd champion at Sodus Microd Club.
October 20
LARRY BROLSMA- Midland Park, NJ dirt Modified driver.
BOBBY ZUROWSKI- Riverhead Raceway LM driver.
STEVEN COLLICHO- FormerTom Baldwin NASCAR WMT team crewman.
BILL ARMOUR- Bluefield, VA writer.
October 21
MORGAN SHEPHERD- Conover, NC NNS driver and outspoken Christian.
BOB LeSIEUR- No. Easton, MA NNC photographer.
ROBERT ROSSI, JR.- Riverhead, LI, NY based Mike Ewanitsko NASCAR WMT fan.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY. SEND THEM TO RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES AT PO BOX 586, Tolland, CT, 06084.
Sources: Rev. Don Rivers/RWJM