Doubting If It is Real
We are pausing in our study this week to address something that creeps into all of our lives, doubt. As we examine Psalm 23 some of us may be doubting if it is real. Dan had given me this column addressing doubt. Are you doubting that God can be counted on to fulfill His promise? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is Rev. Dan letting Rev. Don have a break this week from writing;
At Racing with
What is doubt? Well, in simple terms, it means a lack of confidence. Doubt’s job is to exchange your hope, belief, dreams and faith and put fear in it’s place. It’s stopping you from obtaining the goals that you have set for yourself. Doubt is no respecter of persons. Drivers are not the only ones doubt can creep into; it’s in all of us. I am sure that we have all experienced doubt in our lives at one point or another. How do we get rid of doubt? Read on, and I’ll tell you by using a biblical example.
Peter in the Bible experienced doubt. Do you remember the story about Jesus walking on the water? Let me refresh your memory a little bit. The disciples were out on the water fishing when all of a sudden heavy winds and waves came. They were working tirelessly to keep the boat afloat. Around three in the morning, Jesus walked on the water towards them, They looked out and were afraid, they thought they were seeing a ghost. You have to remember that they were up most of the night working to try to keep the boat afloat, Jesus read their minds and told them not to be afraid, that it was him. Peter, who wanted more proof said “If it’s really you, tell me to come to you.” Jesus told Peter to come on out to him, so he did. As Peter was walking on the water to Jesus, he suddenly realized what he was doing. He started looking around and saw the winds and the waves. He took his eyes off Jesus, and looked at the circumstances around him. At this point, he began to sink. He cried out to Jesus – “save me!” Jesus reached out his hand and pulled Peter to safety.
Then in Matthew 14:31 Jesus says “you have so little faith, why did you doubt me?” If you want to read the whole story, take a look at Matthew chapter 14 versus 22-32. It’s a great story.
Jesus knew that Peter was going to be a leader. He referred to him as a “Rock” – symbolizing a solid man, Jesus saw Peter’s destiny. He did not see a fisherman who would deny him three times as he was being crucified. He did not see him as a person that spoke out of line or as a person who would doubt him, He saw him as a fisher of men. He saw God’s purpose being fulfilled in Peter’s life. He was telling him, don’t doubt me, keep your eyes focused on Jesus,
That’s the secret to erase doubt in our lives – we all let it get in our way, we all get discouraged. There are so many things in our lives that we focus on. In short, I’m telling you that the answer is to take your eyes off of your circumstances, and put them back on Jesus. Don’t focus on the wind and waves – or your troubles like Peter did, but put your trust – and your eyes on him. Once we do that, our faith and hope begin to grow – knowing that God will help us to fulfill our dreams and goals.
I hope this helps you, God bless and have a great week!
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
Jimmy Blewett sweeps the Mod titles at New Smyrna. What a great way to start the season for Jimmy. It really looks like he has positioned himself for a breakout season. I remember last year talking with his car owner, Ed Partridge, last year when Jimmy held the Whelen Modified Tour point lead. I talked with him about the prospect of winning the title and he shared with me that that was something he really wanted. I told him of the tradition of putting the championship car in our booth at Motorsports and he said if Jimmy won, we could have the car. Jimmy didn’t and we are still waiting for our official RWJM Modified. Well it looks like the merger of the #19 and #12 is working just fine. Jimmy was crowned champion of the pre-season winter meeting of modifieds in
Tri State Speedway is coming together. I talked with
I read that the Modifieds will have a new bumper this year. As I understand it, the part of the bumper that extended beyond the frame of the chassis has been removed. This shortens the bumper by about eleven inches. The bumper will also be centered with the frame. This eliminates the dangerous overhang that was identified as the culprit in the crash that took John Blewett III’s life. It may look a little funny as it is not centered with the offset body, but in the name of safety this will make the car safer.
I think we are moving in the right direction when we take the time to analyze what is taking place on the track and making changes that increase the safety of the cars and drivers. I think we should continue to search for ways where we can make every aspect of racing safer. If you have an idea, share it.
We’ll get back to our study next week. Work this week on removing the doubt in your mind.
We are reconstructing our Website this offseason so bear with us as we work on it. The email still works and we will have the current column posted every week. Keep checking in to see the new site and let us know what you think. Thanks for being patient. Have a great week.
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***
MARK & DALE THOMAS- The Publisher of Maine based “The Racin’ Paper” and wife share their 8th anniversary.
JOE & ARLEEN SUKUP- This Schodack Landing, NY retired Midget owner and wife make it 41 years.
February 21
RYAN & LORA MARKHAM- This Wayne County Speedway based, Ashalnd, Ohio Late Model driver and wife celebrate their 9th anniversary.
February 22
REV. JOE AND KAREN BUBBICO- Our West Coast Coordinator and his wife celebrate their 4th wedding anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
SCOTT LAGASSE- St. Augustine, FL NASCAR Truck Series driver.
MIKE MATTHEWS- NJ asphalt Mod driver.
ARLEEN MILLER- Camp Hill, PA Susky fan; Ron’s wife.
February 21
WAYNE JACKS- Las Vegas, NV NASCAR West driver.
VINCE SUDDARD- Wilmington, DE NASCAR CWES/LM driver.
RICHARD JORDAN- Of long-time Kelly Moore NASCAR CWES sponsor, Jordan Lumber.
REBECCA RESNER- Daughter of Long Island LM team owner, Richie and wife Melissa.
February 22
CHUCK BOWN- Oregon semi-retired NNS/NASCAR Truck driver.
PHIL COOK- Hickory,NC Speedway driver.
PEGGY KARBONIC- Wife of Newington, CT Modified driver Bob, forever young.
JONATHAN JORDAN- Of Kelly Moore NASCAR BNS sponsor Jordan Lumber.
FRANK CANNEY- Meriden, CT photographer.
AJ PAPALE- Son of CT based Mod/ProStock driver/crew cheif Tony and wife Jodi is 12.
February 23
JASON KELLER- Greensville, SC NNS driver.
STEVE SEABURG- New Britain, CT retired Mod driver.
LOIS MATCZAK- Wife of Ellington, CT SuperModified owner Skip.
JIMMY STRUPP- Former Long Islander, now based in Charlotte, NC.
TRACY YOUNG- Canterbury, CT wife of former LM driver Ronnie.
TIMOTHY ZYLA- Son of Shamokin, PA Editor Greg is 18.
February 24
MICHAEL RITCH- High Point, NC NNS/LMSC driver.
RICK DYKE- Danbury, CT retired ProStock driver.
LOUIS LaFLEUR- Thompson Speedway track crew member.
February 25
NORM HOLDEN- Seekonk Speedway ProStock driver.
T.J. CLARK- Chandler,AZ NASCAR West driver.
BUTCH GILLILAND- Anaheim, CA NASCAR West driver.
PATTI BETTS- Show horse riding Wife of former Long Island now Salisbury, NC engine builder John.
NESTER Q. KRAMER- Riverhead, NY Billy Pauch fan.
February 26
GLENN FITZCHARLES- Pottstown, PA URC Sprint driver.
KEN LAVOIE- Massachusetts driver.
ZUNILDA ROCCO- Wife of the world famous Plainville, CT Modified driver “Rocket Ronnie.”
ELIZABETH DIAS- Wife of Seekonk Speedway ProStock driver Tony.
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/Racing With Jesus Ministries