Published at March 5, 2010
in RWJM.
We all have wondered now and again if someone’s heart was in their effort. Sometimes the passion just isn’t there. The condition of our heart is more important than we think. Do we have a heart condition? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We continue to hang out at Jacob’s well with the lady we met there. Have you ever noticed how Jesus can get right to the heart of things? He knows what we really are feeling, not just what we let everyone else see. He knows what is in our heart.
There are times when we can tell someone’s heart isn’t in it. Most racers live with their emotions out on their sleeve. They are not very good at hiding what they really feel from others. That is part of what makes racing exciting, you know when they talk to the driver you are going to get the uncut version with all the passion and emotion they have. That is what makes it real.
Continue reading ‘Heart Condition’
Published at February 26, 2010
in RWJM.
As we continue to look at selected passages from Scripture that detail face to face encounters with Christ we find ourselves at Jacob’s well. One of the most important things we need to sustain life is water. Christ offers us something better, living water. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
It can be hot at the track in the summer and one of the most welcome sights is a cooler filled with ice cold water. We have seen the effects of dehydration when we don’t drink enough water. I have watched crew members go into shock and need medical attention because they didn’t properly hydrate themselves. Our passage relays the story of a hot summer day and the need for water to quench our thirst.
John 4:7-15; When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
Continue reading ‘Are You Thirsty’
Published at February 19, 2010
in RWJM.
Going places is a way of life especially for those who race. Where have you gone recently? What trips have you made? Did you go because you wanted to or because you needed to? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Travel is a part of the world we live in. We travel from here to there at a moments notice. We think nothing of getting up and driving someplace. Isn’t it great to have that freedom?
This past weekend the snow prevented my Brother-in-law’s family from flying to Miami to catch a cruise. No problem, they rented a car and drove. It was that or lose the cost of the cruise. I can tell you he was motivated to get there.
That brings up an interesting scenario, what motivates us to go places? Generally it is a race, right? We are in Florida for a race, actually several. There are many options here for racers and race fans, so we travel to Daytona in February. What would happen if we let our travel plans be directed by God? Where would we go then?
Continue reading ‘We Need to Go’
Published at February 12, 2010
in RWJM.
Last week we began looking into a passage about some friends who helped bring their friend to Jesus. What happens when you get there? What happens when they meet Jesus face to face? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We talked about our commitment to Christ and how that would determine the length we would go to help a friend. Our commitment and faith in Jesus determines how far we will go to help someone change their life. These friends dug a hole in the roof. What are we willing to do?
The racing world is made up of all kinds of people. There are those who have been there and know the way. There are those who are excited about figuring out the way. There are those who are trying to derail you from finding the way. Many of those same people wanted to be where Jesus was.
Continue reading ‘Get Up and Walk’
Published at February 5, 2010
in RWJM.
We return to our Winter Bible Study where we are looking at how coming face to face with God will change you. Have you taken the time to meet God over the past few weeks? Let’s continue along that theme. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We have many opportunities to help others. I know at the race track when someone has a problem there are many who are ready to lend a hand. I think that is one of the greatest things about the racing family, their willingness to help when there is a need.
The Scripture I want to start looking at this week tells us about some friends who wanted to help their friend out. Read along and we’ll talk about it.
MARK 2:1-12, A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Continue reading ‘A Hole in the Roof’
Published at January 29, 2010
in RWJM.
The new venue afforded us the opportunity to have Chapel in the stage area. The neat part was that those who were waiting to enter the show also had the opportunity to listen in. What a tremendous blessing. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We have been working through some Scripture that helps us understand that when we meet Jesus face to face we change. They say there are a few things in life that are certain, change is one of them. Why is it that we need to change?
I was thinking, as I walked through the show, that everything offered there was about change; making things different, better; better looking, safer, more horsepower, easier, faster, better handling, better competition, better gate, better fan experience. Change must make things better, right?
Continue reading ‘Motorsports 2010′
Published at December 15, 2009
in RWJM.
As the Christmas season gets into full swing, we are bombarded by planning and preparing. This is not unlike preparing for the racing season where the right preparation can make the difference between success and failure. What will make our Christmas season a success? What are the priorities we need to have so that we will understand the true meaning of Christmas? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I want to thank my wife, Lynda, for sharing her thoughts last week. I think it is always good to see things from a different perspective. This Christmas season maybe we can take a different approach; let’s try to relax and enjoy.
Preparing is something that can become obsessive. I know, I am the one of those people who has to have everything all planned out. I struggle to relax and let things happen. My wife’s column was more for me than anyone else.
Continue reading ‘Relax and Enjoy’
Published at November 25, 2009
in RWJM.
Giving of ourselves to others is not something that comes naturally; we have to work at it. Many times it is a difficult choice between serving ourselves and serving others. Take a moment and think about all those who have made the difficult choice and give thanks. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving gives us a time to reflect on all that God has blessed us with. We don’t have to look very far before we find something we are thankful for. Who are you thankful for? Go to them and let them know that their sacrifice for you was appreciated.
Continue reading ‘Giving Thanks’
Published at November 20, 2009
in RWJM.
Life is full of temptations, challenges, difficulties and decisions. Do we have someone guiding us through or are we trying to get through it on our own? Is there someone waking beside us? Who is spotting for you on the road of Life? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The other day I was standing behind the grandstands talking with a friend waiting for the Modifieds to take the track for practice. I wasn’t sure what the schedule was but when I started to see the stream of spotters walk by with the tools of their trade in their hand I knew the time was close.
A spotter’s tools are simple; a good set of eyes to be able to watch what is happening, good judgment about how to advise the driver and a way to communicate to the driver. We can all watch but a good spotter sees difficulty coming before it happens. Some things that happen need to be communicated to the driver some don’t. A good spotter doesn’t overload the driver with information that they don’t need to run the race. The third thing a good spotter needs is a way to communicate to the driver. Just having a radio and taking into the mike doesn’t qualify. The spotter and the driver need to speak the same language they need not only to hear each other but to understand what the other means.
Continue reading ‘Thankful for a Guiding Spirit’
Published at November 13, 2009
in RWJM.
This time of year brings back some memories for me. I remember those who I am thankful for. Take a look around are there people you are thankful for? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
November brings us the celebration of Thanksgiving. We also begin the celebration of the past season with banquets that honor our champions. Who are some of the people you are thankful for during the racing season? Volunteer crew members come to mind, the folks that gave so much of their time to help others race.
I think of a friend and fellow chaplain, Rick Satkowski. Last year about this time we attended the Stafford Motor Speedway Banquet together. He did the blessing that night remembering everyone who contributed to making the season a success. He also thanked God for a safe racing season. As Rick and I drove home that night we reminisced about the trips we had taken together, seminary classes and our time with Racing with Jesus Ministries.
Continue reading ‘Being Thankful’
Published at November 6, 2009
in RWJM.
The season is over for most of us. There are a few special events to run but for the most part our champions have been crowned. How did this season work out for you? Did you take time to enjoy all you have been blessed with? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
One of the great things in racing is that we get to race. Not everyone gets a chance to do what they have a passion for. There are many that don’t have the opportunities we have been blessed with. Have you ever stopped and thanked God for all he has provided?
One of the thoughts that comes to mind this time of the year is how thankful we need to be for what we have been blessed with. We need only to look around and see others who do not have what we have.
Continue reading ‘Enjoying the Harvest’
Published at October 23, 2009
in RWJM.
Have you ever done something wrong? Seems like a simple question with a simple answer, but why is it we forget that when it comes time to forgive someone else from a mistake they made. Forgiveness is something we want to receive but many times are not as willing to give. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let me set the record straight, we all make mistakes. We all make choices that seem right at the time but in retrospect they were not the correct ones. That being said, why have we become a society that has developed a less forgiving attitude. Zero tolerance is not the right way to deal with mistakes.
As the season winds down I can remember several occasions over the past few months that mistakes on and off the track have been made. At the moment when they occurred it seemed the whole season hinged on them. After a little time passed there significance has waned and we have moved on. Those are the ones that are easy to deal with. Other mistakes take on a life of there own.
Continue reading ‘Thankful for Forgiveness’
Published at October 16, 2009
in RWJM.
Many times we are faced with decisions in how to respond to a certain situation. Sometimes we respond like a mature adult and sometimes we respond like a little child. Does it make a difference how we respond? Sure it does, we cannot act like little children. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I have watched recently the response of some competitors when events on the track didn’t go the way they wanted. They responded like a spoiled little child would. You know the response, if I don’t get my way I am taking my ball and going home. They run away and hide not wanting to take responsibility. What kind of example does that show others?
Continue reading ‘Grow Up’
Published at October 9, 2009
in RWJM.
They say beauty is only skin deep. What you see on the outside is not always what you get. I have seen some good-looking racecars that don’t have what it takes to be competitive on the track. There is no easy way to find out if what you see is what you get. Is it in there? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Tech inspection exists for the purpose of making sure the seen and unseen components conform to the rules. The necessity of having to check gives us an indication of our human nature, if no one catches you it is not cheating. I can think of many sayings we have, in and out of racing, which help us rationalize bending the rules.
Continue reading ‘Is It in There?’
Published at October 2, 2009
in RWJM.
Have you ever stopped to think about why you do something? Many of us are influenced to act a certain way by the people we hang around with. Peer pressure can be positive or negative. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I have been to a few racetracks in my day and I am always amazed at how some people can be influenced to do some pretty silly things without too much convincing. There are many things that trigger that type of behavior. Some don’t need too much encouragement while others need a little lubrication. Most take place after the racing in the camping area, but some take place during the race.
Continue reading ‘Who Are We Living For’
Published at September 24, 2009
in RWJM.
Rev. Dan brought an important message to both the Camping World East and Whelen Modified divisions at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He asked the question, are we willing to carry someone’s burden? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Racing isn’t easy. There are difficulties around each turn. It would be great if all you had to concern yourself with was getting your car setup for the race. Today we have to worry about many other things. We think we have it hard. I remember a talk given by Dale Inman, former crew chief for Petty Enterprises. His title, “It hasn’t always been this easy.”
Continue reading ‘How’s Your Back’
Published at September 18, 2009
in RWJM.
I touched on a subject at Chapel a few weeks ago at Thompson and I wanted to explore it a little further. How close is our relationship with God? Have we given God total control of our lives? Are we following His directions? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
You are struggling to find the right setup for your car. You feel you have tried everything you can think of but the car just does not respond. What do you do? You start asking questions of people who have experience dealing with the chassis you run. Maybe you start at the manufacturer or you go to the car builder. You may seek out a crew chief who has had success in the past making a similar car go fast. You hire him and give him control of the team. You let him use his experience and make the necessary changes.
Continue reading ‘Are We Listening’
Published at September 11, 2009
in RWJM.
This summer I have had the opportunity to perform several marriage ceremonies. I have performed weddings from Dover, DE to New Hampshire, from Victory Lane to Wedding Chapels, from Castles to Clubhouses, the venue doesn’t matter, the hearts of the two being joined does. I am thankful to God for the opportunity to be a part of so many wonderful celebrations. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This coming Saturday I have the tremendous blessing of performing the ceremony for my oldest daughter, Elisabeth and her finance, Joe. It is a blessing when you can be a part of such a wonderful event that honors God’s order of things. It is tremendous when one of those getting married is your own child.
Continue reading ‘What a Blessing’
Published at September 4, 2009
in RWJM.
Sometimes things get heated up at the track. Sometimes we don’t respond in a way that honors God. We need to remember, even in the heat of the moment, that we belong to God. We need to remember that we need to reflect his character not ours. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
One of the most challenging things to do in racing is to keep your composure when everything around you is going crazy. When we develop that composure we go a long way toward responding in a way that honors God.
Continue reading ‘How Are We Running the Race’
Published at August 28, 2009
in RWJM.
Let’s pick up where we left off last week. We were talking about tires and how they indicate deeper issues. The question we explored was “Do you have a tire specialist to guide your walk?” Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
It is very rare that the winner of the race had the wrong setup. Having the wrong setup usually plays itself out during the race. Most times we see it all too clear. Right front tire wears out and you are introduced to the wall. Other times it just shows up in lack of performance; we just can’t get up to speed. How our car is set up determines how we run the race. It determines if we are running in such a way as to win. Our set up decides whether we succeed or fail.
Continue reading ‘Tires Tell the Story (Part Two)’
