He Lives
We celebrate Easter this week. Never was there so much hope in something empty, the tomb. Let’s take some time this week and discover that hope we have in a risen savior. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Luke 24:1-9, NIV, 1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.
9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.
We celebrate Easter and the resurrection of our Savior, but as we read last week, the road that Jesus walked was a difficult one. He endured death on a cross. He endured the mockery of a trial. He endured the ridicule. He endured the beating. He did not speak against those who put him through the trial and crucifixion.
Like many things in life, the celebration doesn’t come without working through some difficulties. Those are the celebrations that we remember most, the ones with the most difficult road.
Jesus didn’t throw a big party, he didn’t have a victory parade, he simply did what he said he would do. He told those close to him what to expect. However, because he did something that no one had ever seen before it was difficult for them to understand. In fact, even his closest followers didn’t understand or believe him. Listed to their reaction when the women returned with the news:
Luke 24:11-12, NIV, 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
How many of us would have believed it? How many of us believe it today? The Son of God rose from the grave and conquered death. He has the power over the one thing we fear most in life, death. We can find a peace in that. We can find hope.
Whom do you turn to when you need to overcome your fear? We turn to someone who has overcome it. We seek out someone who has experience in dealing with what we are faced with. We look for support, comfort, mercy, encouragement, and guidance. We want to be assured that we can get through the challenges we face.
Christ assured us that we could, if we trust in him. He endured the most difficult death we could imagine. He rose victorious from the grave. An empty tomb is our hope. Never has something being so empty been more powerful and have the ability to change the direction of our lives.
In the emptiness we can find the courage to trust that Jesus is able to overcome whatever obstacles we face. We can find the strength to overcome even death. I encourage you today to look into the tomb, see the scraps of linen, realize that our Savior lives and that we can live also.
I close with the words from an old hymn that always lifts me up; Because He Lives
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
You too can face the challenges ahead because the tomb is empty; HE LIVES!
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
WALL STADIUM TAKES THE CHECKERED FLAG- It is official, racing at the Jersey Shore will never be the same. Bob Menschner called and said he was on his way over to post the news on the Wall Stadium Sign. Bob could not hold back his emotions; he has lost a friend, a very important part of his life. A few weeks ago Bob was recognized for forty years of service at Wall, he will not have a chance to add to that.
The racing community is saddened when a track closes. All we have left is the memories of the times we spent there, the racing we saw, the drivers we rooted for, the cars we loved. Many of us refuse to patronize the establishments that take the place of the racetracks we loved.
One quick memory from Wall; at one race, after the opening ceremonies was finished, Rev. Pat got into the pace car parked on the banking in turn one. He put the car in gear and smoked the tires, a class A burnout. The smoke was everywhere, the fans cheered, Rev. Dan, in the passenger seat, didn’t know what to do. Then they discovered the brake was set, released it and the pace car burnout went down in history at Wall Stadium.
Our thanks go out to all those involved in the 57+ years that we enjoyed racing at the Jersey Shore. We will never forget the drivers that have touched our lives. Kyle McGowan, former Wall Speedway Jr. Flagger and Trophy Boy, said it best, Rest in Peace – John Blewett III 10-25-1973 – 8-16-07; Rest in Peace- Number 76- forever a cherished number; RIP Wall Speedway.
THOMPSON OPENS FOR SOME PRACTICE- March 22 is the day the gates open for 2008. Practice is on the schedule and the track is open to all divisions and tours that will race at the track this year. The stands won’t be open but if you are over 16 years old you can watch from the pit area. This will be the first close up look at the newly installed lighting system. This is the first of two practices, the next on March 29, as we lead up to the Icebreaker on April 5 and 6.
A REPORT IN FROM THE GREAT NORTHWEST- Steve Parrish, One of our Ministry partners from Coeur D’Alene Idaho, has just come off a Great and rewarding racing season. Steve competes in the INSSA series up in the Northwest. (Inland North west Super Stock Assn.) Steve has started a racing outreach that he calls REV , (Racers for Eternal Victory). He bases his outreach on Isaiah 45,5. His # 45 Tour type Late model cars are raced at State Line Raceway in Post Falls ID, also at Spokane Raceway Park in Spokane WA and Kalispell Race Park. Steve and friends hold Chapel services at the track. At one of the last races at State Line last year, 18 people came to the Lord. The Lord has opened up so many doors for this team. They will be set up at the Kootenai County Fair in late August. They have Pit Stop contests planned for the kids, with prizes and Gifts. They will be visible to thousands of people. Please keep them in your prayers this season; the Lord is working in mighty ways up there.
OLE BLUE GETS A NEW SHOE- Ryan Preece announced at Mototown Sunday that he would be behind the wheel of Ole Blue this coming season. Ryan is a young, talented driver coming off a great showing at NSS that included his first Tour Type Modified victory. It should be interesting to see what this young gun can do behind the wheel of an old school modified.
CALLING ALL VINTAGE RACERS- I received some DVD’s in the mail the other day and they had an interesting background. Kevin Bacik of Long Island Need for Speed is selling them to raise money for a vintage race show this summer at Riverhead Raceway. I haven’t had a chance to preview them yet but I am told all the proceeds from their sale will go to support the show. I will touch base with Kevin and get more details. If you like vintage and antique racecars watch this column for the details.
I hope your Easter is a blessed one. Remember the length that God went through to show His love for you. 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***
March 19
HAROLD & CINDY BURDICK- This Stafford Speedway announcing team member and wife have thier 23rd anniversary.
March 20
DAN & LYNN POZZUTO- The VP of Operations for the Saxonburg, PA Ed Ferree corporations including Frankland Racing Supply rears and Clincher Gears and wife Office manager for Frankland celebrate their 30th anniversary.
March 21
JACK & BETTY DENNIS- These Appomattax, VA Jamie Tomaino fans and parents of JT fan Laura make it 48 years.
March 22
ALAN & JEANN COULL- The Norwich, CT race car paint graphics designer and nurse wife celebrate their 37th.
JIM & BERNICE GOLEMBESKI- The brother of Steve, Wall Stadium’s winningest Sportsman Modified driver, and wife have their day.
March 24
DAVE & KYLE MICHEL- This Wall Stadium Modified stand-out and wife share their 16th lap together.
March 25
J.R. & JASLYN WILLIAMS- This Carson City, NV Midget driver and wife share their 21st anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
March 19
BILL SEDGEWICK- Acton, MA NASCAR Truck team owner, neighbor of RWJM Counselor Gary Dionne.
TONY TOSTE- Pismo Beach, CA NASCAR West driver.
HARRY RICE- Retired Waterford Speedbowl Mod driver.
RICK CERAVOLO- Crew Chief for the Dick Ceravolo owned CT Modified to be driven at Thompson by brother Todd.
FREIDA MAGLIO- Scranton, PA fan, Sal’s wife.
ELLEN DAVIS- Girl friend/crew member of Bob “Mad Dog” Barker Garden State Stock Car Club, Staten Islamd, NY
March 20
MARTY MEMBRINO- Waterbury, CT ProStock driver.
TOM FERN- Westport, CT LM driver; police officer.
March 21
ROBERT HUFFMAN- NC Dash Series driver.
KENNY BRACK- Karlstadt, Sweden IRL driver.
RICKY MILLER- Claremont, NH ProStock/NASCAR CWES driver.
DAVE & MIKE KIMBALL- These brothers are both Oxford Plains (ME) Speedway drivers.
LARRY McCLURE- NSCs team owner.
March 22
EDDIE BELLINGER- ISMA SuperModified driver from NY.
MIKE CASTERLINE- Tioga/Chemung Speedway driver.
BILLY HAGAN- NSCS team owner.
JEFF GADA- Of the famous Niantic, CT racing family.
SHIRLEY DENSIESKI- Wife of Riverhead Raceway’s Sonny and mom of Riverhead Modified driver Ed.
MIKE GEER- Waterford Speedbowl announcing team member.
March 23
WILLIAM ALLEN- Crewman on the Jim Hawkes Wall Township Speedway Mod.
March 24
MARTIN TRUEX- Mayetta, NJ NASCAR CWES former driver now biggest fan of his son’s efforts with the DEI.
SCOTT PRUETT- IMSA/IRL driver.
ROGER MEARS- Bakersfield, CA NASCAR Truck Series driver.
JIMMY MAKAR- NSCS Crew Chief.
CHRIS WOODS- Mass. native, now a driver at Concord Motorsports Park.
KENNY VANASSE- Son of Pensacola, FL fans Keith and Debbie Krodel.
HEATHER AUBE- Daughter of Charlotte, VT NASCAR CWES driver CWWS crew cheif Jamie and wife Paula is 13.
March 25
KEVIN CULVER- Portland, OR NASCAR West driver.
TONY SISCONE- Hammonton,NJ retired asphalt Modified driver.
DAVID TOWNS- Sportsman division Champion for 2007 at Fonda Speedway.
KURT SCHAFFER- Son of Gradnview Modified driver Rick and wife Donna is 15.
AMY BROWN- A daughter of Farmingdale,NJ Dwarf Car driver Bobby and wife Carolyn.
TRACY COX- Dirt and NSCS Mark Martin fan from Boyertown, PA, wife of Rev. Pat’s cousin Bob.
*** IN THE SHOP ***
SFC BRIAN GSCHEIDLE- Stepson of NASCAR Official Joe Larsen was injured while stationed in Iraq. Joe said he was hit in the arm & shoulder, (from what I can ascertain), and is in CASH, (the hospital). He should be fine. He tells us he will down for a little while after they patch him up and then return to the field to protect and defend. Keep Brian in your prayers for a speedy recovery and remember to lift his family in your prayers.
GEORGE BOULEY- George is in the hospital checking out his breathing as he was having trouble starting a week ago Sunday He went to the hospital on Monday 3-10-08 and is still there having tests done to find the problem. Rev. Dan checked up on him Friday and learned that a few weeks ago his brother died from a heart attack. We need to lift the entire Bouley Clan, George, Beverly, Scotty and Kim up in our prayers.
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