Hypocrite?
We have reached the end of our Winter Bible Study for 2009. We have covered the middle section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ first public teaching of his disciples. We have learned many things but this week’s lesson hits us right at home, don’t be something you are not. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We have heard this word and even used this word but have we really explored the meaning? Hypocrite- 1) a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion 2) a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.
We all have said or done things that don’t reflect how we truly feel. We all feel we have justified reasons to act that way. The fact is we should be honest and truthful. Our actions should agree with our words. People should be able to expect that we, as Christians, will give them the right guidance.
Racing doesn’t corner the market on misleading statements and actions. You see it every year around silly season. That is why it has that name, people saying and doing things that just don’t add up. We really don’t know what is going on until the dust settles and the decisions and contracts are signed. That is all part of the game.
Well it shouldn’t be when it comes to God. People shouldn’t wonder if what they are seeing and hearing is the real thing. They should be able to trust that someone who claims to know God and represent Him is doing just that.
I cringe when I see some of the stuff on television that is passed off as religion or Christianity. There are people that have no interest in representing God, just lining their pockets with cash from people who have trusted them. It happens across all walks of life, the con men who extract people’s hard earned money with a slick sounding story. When it happens and God is the reason used it irks me to the core of my being. It is challenging enough to help people through life and show them what God has for them without these hypocrites muddying up the water.
I have to say though this is not a problem that developed with the television age. Jesus had the same issue with the same type of people. He used terms like “brood of vipers” and “den of thieves”. He overturned the tables in the temple that had made a mockery of the Temple. It was the one thing that Scripture reveals made him truly angry.
How do you feel when someone takes advantage of you? How do you feel when you cannot trust someone? We all have been on the receiving end of deceit. Some of us have been on the giving end. Our last lesson teaches us that we have to honor God and be true to Him, not our own wants and desires. Read along.
Matthew 6:1-3; “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Jesus helps us understand an important principle, God Knows! We think we can hide things from God and we will be alright. Not going to happen, God knows. We think we can but the fact is that nothing is hidden from God. We need to learn that because in each one of our lives there are things we would rather God didn’t know. They are called sin, missing the mark. Let me help you, go to God right now and ask for forgiveness. Let God remove the burden of your sin and restore your usefulness to him. Then make every effort to live in a way that will honor God.
We find it comforting and encouraging hearing others tell us haw good we are. We like it when people recognize what we have said and done. We need a certain bit of that, but we cannot let it become the motivation for what we do. Too many times we tell people what they want to hear or at least what we think they want to hear, instead of the truth because we want the positive and affirming reaction. The root of this teaching again resides in our heart, what motivates us?
Jesus said don’t be motivated by what man says or how they respond. If you are you will receive your reward from them. Instead be motivated to please God and then your reward will come from heaven.
Let me ask you, who can give greater gifts, man or God? I think we all would agree that the creator of the universe, the one who knitted you together in your mother’s womb. The one who set the stars in place, the one who has the hairs on your head counted, has greater gifts to give. Then why do we settle for second best? Instant gratification; we want it now. Trust me in this; God’s timing is not our timing.
We need to remember who we serve. We need to remember who paid the price for our salvation. We need to remember whose blood bought us out of Satan’s hand. We need to remember…
John 3:16-17; “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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Thank you for letting me spend some time with you exploring this passage of Scripture. Believe me when I say we have only scratched the surface. We need to spend much more time in God’s Word and with each other learning more and more. I encourage you to find a place where you can do that. Find a Bible Study group, a church, someplace where you can sit with other Christians and get to know God better.
We have covered many topics over the last few weeks and I am sure there are some questions. If you have questions let me know and I will address them. If they would benefit everyone I’ll share them here, without names, if you prefer. That way we can learn from each other.
Next week we will look at the most amazing weekend in the history of the World; Easter. What does it mean and how can we respond to what Christ has done for us?
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
WET WATERFORD- First event first postponement, Waterford’s Bid Nationals day two falls victim to the weather. Keith Rocco set the fast time on Saturday but will have to wait to get things going. The reschedule date has not been set. Let’s hope it isn’t on Easter Weekend. The qualifying was close, here are the top five.
SK Modified Time Trial Results at Waterford
1. Keith Rocco, Wallingford, 14.138 seconds
2. Frank Ruocco, Cheshire, 14.195
3. Diego Monahan, Quaker Hill, 14.225
4. Jeffrey Paul, Ledyard, 14.227
5. Ron Yuhas Jr., Groton, 14.284
WALL STADIUM IS BACK- I for one had the most difficulty with the name change from the historic Wall Stadium to Wall Township Speedway. Well I won’t have that difficulty anymore, The Stadium name has been returned to the top of the sign by Jim Morton. Thank you Jim! I am looking forward to the racing as it returns along with the name at Wall Stadium!
ICEBREAKER IS HERE- After a long, cold, snowy winter the ground pounders return to the famed 5/8 mile high banked oval. The Whelen Modified Tour will kick off their season this Sunday at Thompson Speedway. It will be good to get back with folks, do some catching up, see who is where and turn some laps. We will have our Palm Sunday Service directly following the Driver’s meeting on Sunday morning at the NASCAR Tech Trailer. Rev. Dan and I will be joined by Rev. Rick’s son Phillip. We are going to miss having Rick with us, but we are thrilled to have Phillip there.
With the new season comes the pursuit of another championship. Last year’s champion, TC, had a great winter with wins at Atlantic City, Providence and New Smyrna. He is the defending champion and according to the media pole is the favorite for 2009. After so many years without one could we see back to back championships? I wouldn’t look past the proven team of Bob Garbarino and Donny Lia. There are others lurking, Ronnie Silk, Ryan Preece and if he can get a deal put together, Matt Hirschman. Don’t count out Mike Stefanik either, I know the Flamingo team has done some updating and hit the track with some new equipment. Word on the street is that Jamie Tomaino finally has a good deal with a new owner and horsepower to spare.
Fact is we will be able to tell the pretenders from the contenders starting next weekend. We are looking forward to seeing you there.
PRAYER REQUESTS – We need to keep the Camping World West family and the family of Doug Beeler in our prayers. Doug went home to be with the Lord while at the NASCAR Camping World West race at Kyle, Texas. Doug, an official in the NASCAR Camping World Series West, had a heart attack. He was 71. Doug, of Marysville, Calif., served as an inspector and truck driver for the series.
“Doug was a very dedicated NASCAR official who will be sadly missed,” said NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
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***
April 4
DON & MARILYN TOAL- This ROC Rep. and her husband celebrate 50 years together.
MARK & LINDA GEER- The former Waterford Speedbowl Mod Inspector and Speedbowl Office Manager wife have their 39th anniversary.
April 7
HARRY & PEGGY SOLT- This NH based NASCAR CWES GRAND NATIONAL crewman and wife share their 36th anniversary.
RED & MARGIE RAYNOR- The former Long Island Freeport Speedway driver and wife from Deer Park, LI have their 40th.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
April 1 NO APRIL FOOLS
JIMMY PHELPS- This driver of the 99J New York dirt Modified from Baldwinsville, NY celebrates.
JARRETT SENG- Orefield, PA Micro Sprint driver. Recognize the car by Bible verse Hebrews 12: 1-2 on it.
SCOTT HOUSTON- NNS Crew Chief from Hickory, NC; a son of retired NNS great Tommy.
FRANKLIN HIETALA- Dad of Enfield, CT Modified driver Brad.
MARTY NOLL- Scranton, PA NASCAR CWES driver.
GEORGE MAYLOTT, JR.- Jim Spencer fan.
April 2
JOHN SWANSON- Concord, MA NASCAR CWES driver/Crew Chief.
DAN PARDUS- Daytona Beach, FL NASCAR driver.
ED WATSON- Mt. Vernon, WA NASCAR West driver.
JOHN R. JANISITIS- The son of the late Waterford and Seekonk Public Relation Director in the 70’s and 80’s, John Janisitis and wife Ruth.
April 3
JOE BUSCH- Norwich, CT Tri-State 4 cyl. Kart driver.
MIKE HURLBERT- Lynden, WA NASCAR West driver.
MIKE KOST- New Jersey born and raised Sprint Cup team member.
LISA RAINONE- Wife of NASCAR CWES driver Anthony.
TIARA BUSCH- Kart driver Joe and wife Fran’s daughter is 18.
SHANE CONNOLLY- Son of Endicott, NY NASCAR WMT driver Tim.
April 4
TOM PECK- McConnelsburg, PA CWS and Dirt Big Block LM driver.
BOB BAKER- Sharon, VT ProStock driver.
HEATH TOMAR- Son of Greensboro, NC track GM Larry.
CINDY SAVLUK- Wife of Lisbon, CT’s Roger at Savluk Service Center.
DONNA HANKS- Wife of Somers, CT LM driver Scott.
ED PERRY III- Seekonk Speedway Prostock driver.
April 5
SIERRA JESANIS- niece of RWJM President Rev. Don will be 13.
KATIE STANDLEY- proprietor of Lady Eagleware and the wife and number one partner of James, proprietor of the famous Design 500 in Seattle, WA, and maker of the RWJM Chaplain Uniforms and Driver Uniforms in partnership with ASI Racewear, also the Ministry Northwest Coordinators and board members, has her special day. Praise the Lord!
MIKE BLISS- Milwaukee, OR USAC Midget and NASCAR NSC/NNS/Truck driver.
DAVE ASHLEY- Riverside, CA LM driver.
MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER, JR.- The son of Plainville, CT Modified driver Mike and wife Jennifer is 9.
ROSE FRYE- The wife of Ferrell,NJ Team owner Warren “Jeep” and grandmother of Glenn, JR.
DAVE PETFIELD- Brother of Dan and treasurer of Racing with Jesus Ministries.
April 6
AFFONSO GIAFFONE- Sao Paulo, Brazil IRL driver.
KEVIN REX- Pennsy asphalt Modified driver.
WAYNE PATTERSON- Richmond, VA LMSC driver.
KEN BOUCHARD- Fitchburg, MA NASCAR CWES/WMT driver, and proprietor of the Thompson Speedway based Modified driving school.
FRED ROSNER- Agawam, MA ProStock/NASCAR CWES fabricator.
DAVE ST. JOHN- The military career son of Henry St. John, proprietor of Jewett City Service.
JORDYN ROSE BENNETT- The daughter of Stamford, CT born CWES/CTS driver Brad and wife Diane is 8.
April 7
LOY ALLEN, JR- former NSC driver.
VINNIE GREEN- Wall Township Speedway retired Modified driver.
WENDELL LEE MINTER- Ridgeway, VA host of the “Uncle Wendell’s Gospel Music Show aired daily on Martinsville’s WODY.
LISA ERM- New Jersey based NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Head Scorer.
JOHN SZERENCITS- Whitehall, PA dad of AARN subscription salesman Don.
JOSEPH ROBERT COX- Rev. Pat’s third-cousin son of Bob and Tracy Cox in Boyertown, PA is 12.
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