He Has Risen
One of my favorite hymns is “Because He Lives”. The song contains many reasons why we can draw on the fact that Christ is alive to encourage us, strengthen us and enable us to live. This life is not just any life but the abundant life that Christ offers us in His Word. Are you rejoicing this Easter because Christ lives? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Luke 24:1-8, 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. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 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? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.
Why do we look for the living among the dead? A good question; why do we continue to search for the meaning of life among things of the world that will lead us to death? We all want to live life to the fullest. We all want everything life has to offer. We all want. Listen to what David wrote in Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. NLT
Is Jesus Enough? Is He everything you need? Can He provide everything we need? YES!
Let me ask the question, are you living or surviving? Most people I know are just trying to get by. They are just trying to make ends meet. They work from one paycheck to the next hoping that nothing happens that will upset the delicate balance of their lives.
We know that is false hope. We know that life is full of circumstances that can put us into a tailspin at a moments notice. What we fail to realize is that we have made the choices that put us in those circumstances. We are the ones that guide and direct the things we do. We are responsible.
It doesn’t have to be that way. God provided guidance for us. God promised to care for us and provide for us. God gave us a free will to choose. We decide and God honors our decision. Which way should we choose? Which way leads to the best life? Which way leads to life everlasting?
Let’s explore that a little. Who should know best how to live the best life possible? The creator of life Himself, God. When our car is broke, we don’t bring it to our lawyer. When our taxes need to be done, we don’t bring them to our mechanic. When we want to live an abundant life, we need to go to the source, God. He alone can provide what we need. He alone will guide us in the right direction. He alone cares enough to give His life for us.
Ask yourself, what am I willing to die for? Remember Christ was willing to die for you. However, he not only died for you but he rose again, victorious over death. He offers us forgiveness and life everlasting and He demonstrated to us that He has control over those things.
What one thing do we fear the most? Death. We fear not being here anymore. We fear our loved ones not being here with us. Christ offers victory over death. He is ALIVE!
As you celebrate Easter this week, think about God’s love for you. He loved you so much that He sent His son who gave His life for you, not to condemn you but to save you. You will find that promise in John’s Gospel, chapter three, verse 16-17. Truly celebrate this Easter with a new life, one provided for you by Jesus and His death and resurrection. I leave you with these words from the Hymn “Because He lives” God Bless.
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.
~ William and Gloria Gaither ~
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
LET THE TITLE DEFENSE BEGIN- After winning the title last year without winning a pole TC started this year out where he finished last year, on top. TC set fast time on Saturday at Thompson and followed it up with a win on Sunday. His win wasn’t without a challenge. Let the record show the Jet is Back!
Starting his 500th Tour race Jamie “The Jet” Tomaino was honored before the race and he let the field know he had something for them. Tomaino passed TC about twenty laps in and held the lead for 50 laps and then some. For a moment a Cinderella story was unfolding and it looked like he might just win his 500th race. Timing wasn’t with the 99 team on this day. A late race pit stop followed by several yellows tied him up back in the pack.
Tomaino turned things over to his Howell, NJ neighbor and Jimmy Blewett took up the chase getting by TC only to give it back in the next. After a few restarts and a green, white, checker Jimmy came close but couldn’t get by. Coming off turn four he made one final run only to come a half of car short.
TC took home the victory followed by Jimmy Blewett. Donnie Lia had a successful return to the tour coming home third followed by Ryan Preece and Todd Szegedy.
It was great to get back to the track and visit with old friends. We are looking forward to another successful season.
WHELEN ASKS FOR SOME HELP- Phil Kurze from Whelen Engineering addressed the driver’s meeting for two reasons. First, he wanted to show off the new Tissot time pieces that will be presented to each race winner in 2009. Second he wanted to roll out a plan to return the Modified tour to the fans. In an effort to get the fans face to face with the drivers, each race will feature an autograph session for all drivers. This is different than when they had a few at select races. Phil wants everyone to participate and he wants them to wear their driver suit. He would like to see the Tour step up their image and show the fans who they are and the professionalism that is present on the tour today. He asked the teams to be aware of their image and remember to project one that is consistent with the professionals that they are. Phil would like to take the tour to new venues and wants to bring a fan base with them. The hope is to not only offer a great product on the track but also put fans in the seats.
I think this is a great idea. I remember meeting my first driver, he was bigger than life. I still remember not being able to sleep that night. Let us hope that the fans of today and tomorrow respond and support the Tour we love.
COOKIES!!!!!!!!!!! I received a special delivery from my Cookie Baker from NY. I was disappointed that they were the lent version of her favorite treat, but they hit the spot. I realized that I was not the only one on the delivery list. Thank you Linda for being so generous and keeping me in
NEW FIRESUIT ROLLED OUT- Without knowing the direction Whelen wanted to take the tour, we discussed having firesuits on pitroad to allow us to be used anywhere we are needed during the race. Our uniform provider Design 500 came up with an awesome design and I was able to suit up for the first race of the season. Check it out on Glenn McGowen’s facebook page.
The suit was received well by both NASCAR and the teams. We now have the proper safety equipment to cross the wall and minister wherever race officials need us. Our thanks go out to James and Katie Standley and ASI for a job well done.
HEADING SOUTH- As much as we would rather spend Easter at home we have the season opener for the Camping World East Series race in Greenville next Saturday night. Rev. Dan will make the trip. I will stay back and bring the Easter message to the church in West Springfield, MA that I have been speaking at in place of Rev. Rick who went home to the Lord last November. Remember the reason that we celebrate an empty tomb, Jesus is a risen Savior, He Lives and we can also.
PRAYER CONCERNS- Please keep the Beers family in your thoughts and prayers this week as they celebrate the life of Eric’s dad Dale. It has been a tough few months for the entire family and they need our support. At Dale’s request, don’t send flowers, send tire money.
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 8
DOC & CAROL LEHMAN- This Smithville, OH AARN and RPM columnist and wife have their 31st wedding anniversary.
PAUL & HEATHER FRANTZ- This Mountain Speedway couple celebrate their 9th wedding anniversary.
April 10
DENNIS & DARLA SETZER- The Newton, NC CWTS driver and wife have their special day.
JOE & BRENDA RIOLO- This CWES driver and wife have their anniversary.
April 11
TONY & DEBBIE VECCHIO- This NASCAR CWES GRAND NATIONAL team owner couple from have their 22nd anniversary.
April 13
TED & BETH SEMINARA- The Brewster, NY, now in Mt. Holly, NC proprietor of TS Racing Photo and Sprint Cup “AARN” photographer and lively wife share their 18th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
April 8
ROBERT PRESSLEY- Asheville, NC NSC/NNS/CWTS driver.
BILLY MIDDLETON- Germantown, NC Modified driver.
MARK GREEN- Owensboro, KY NNS driver; middle brother with David and Jeff.
JEFF CROWLEY- NH ProStock driver.
JOE LARSEN- Former Riverhead Raceway Chief Steward, now an official on the NASCAR whelen Modified Tour.
TOMY MEMBRINO III- Son of Waterbury, CT ProStock driver Tony is 19.
April 9
DALE SHAW- Center Conway, NH NASCAR CWES driver/ fabricator.
ROGER HILL- Westfield, NC NASCAR WMT Hillbilly Racing Team owner.
BOBBY RUSS WOOD- Richmond, MO All Pro Series driver.
JOHN “PEACH FUZZ” JONES- This fan and son of Fuzzy Pete and Ro from Shirley, NY turns 12.
April 10
KASEY KAHNE- Enumclaw, WA NSC team driver of RPM Dodge.
WARREN KUHLTHAU III- Wall Township Speedway Modified driver.
PAUL McELEARNEY- Riverhead LM driver from Commack, NY
SHIRLEY HIETALA- Enfield, CT mom of Mod driver Brad.
DEBORAH ZURAWSKI- Wife/car owner for husband Riverhead LM driver Robert.
BOBBY MENSCHNER- Son of wall Chaplain Bob Menschner.
April 11
MIKE EWANITSKO- North Babylon, NY WMT driver.
DON LaHUE- White Mountain Motorsports Park (VT) driver.
RUSSELL WOOD- Son of Pelham, MA ISMA SuperModified driver Russ and wife Lisa is 16.
ED D’HONDT, JR- Son of Long Island, now in Mooresville, NC, NSC Team Manager Ed, Sr.
KARSYN JARRETT- NSC’s Dale and wife Kelley’s youngest is 19.
AIMEE FERREE- A daughter of Pennsylvania Motor Speedway Big Block LM driver Ed and wife Gayle. Ed is also President of Frankland Racing Supply who supplies those Frankland Racing Rears and Clincher Gears.
April 12
MIKE CALINOFF- Charlotte, NC writer/editor, Producer of STOCK CAR CITY at www.stockcarcity.com.
JIM HAILEY- Manager of the Richard Childress Show Car Teams out of Welcome, NC.
DAVE MICHEL- Wall Township Speedway star Modified driver.
TIM DWIGGINS- NC Modified driver.
BOB STRAIT- Mokena, IL ASA/ARCA driver.
TOMMY FOX- Plainfield, CT NASCAR WMT/NASCAR CWES driver and fabricator.
ELAINE FEBRIELLO- Wife of retired Waterbury, CT Modified team owner, Woody.
MARK FEBRIELLO- Elaine and Woody’s son.
April 13
RUSS HERSEY, JR.- Keene, NH NASCAR CWES driver.
CHRIS AMAN- NC based, Interlaken NY Mod Series/NASCAR CWES driver.
MITCH GIBBS- Norwich, NY dirt Modified driver.
DARRYL CARL- Voorheesville, NY occasional NASCAR CWES driver.
JAY STUART- Preston, CT proprietor of JDM Chassis and accomplished LM driver.
KEITH WHITE- Higginsville, MO All Pro Series driver.
KEN DIPPEL- Upstate NY photographer.
MARK GEER, JR.- A son of former Waterford Mod Tech Inspector Mark and Office Manager wife Linda.
JEAN SMERIGLIO- Brookfield, CT wife of retired Danbury driver Dave.
DEAN DeBOIS- El Monte, CA dad of Pam Krause, wife of AARN’s Ass’t to the Editor, Earl.
April 14
JOHNNY RUMLEY- Winston-Salem, NC NNS driver.
JEFF ANDRETTI- Bethlehem, PA Indy Car/NSC/NNS driver; Mario’s youngest son.
PAUL SACKS- Son of NSC driver Greg.
DICK FEARN- Feeding Hills, MA dad of ProStock driver Tom.
*** NEW BEGINNINGS ***
DALE M. PAP BEERS SR. 70, of Northampton died April 1, 2009 in St. Lukes Hospital, Fountain Hill surrounded by his loving family. Dale and his wife Dorothy Dottie Haldaman Beers would have been married 53 years in October. He loved auto racing and was a well known car owner since 1962. He fielded cars for many different drivers at most of the local tracks, including, Grandview, Nazareth, Dorney Park, Mahoning, Evergreen and Flemington Speedways. Besides his wife Dorothy; daughters, JoAnn S. wife of Robert Heavy Scherer, of Northampton, Lori A. wife of David Kerper Jr., of Northampton; sons, Eric A. Beers and wife Cherie, of Northampton, Jason C. Beers Sr. and wife Brandy, of Fleetwood; eight grandchildren, Bobbi Jo and husband Greg Martin, Beverly Scherer and Fiancee Willis Curry, Brandi Scherer, Justin Bunce, Jason Beers Jr., Kailyn Beers, Shaye Kerper and Austin Beers; brother, David Beers and wife Pearl of Cherryville; sisters, Gladys Werley of Bath, Olivia wife of Lewis Romanishan of Bath, Ruth Edelman of Chapmans; nieces and nephews. Dale was predeceased by a son, Dale M. Beers Jr. and 11 brothers and sisters.
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Sources: RWJM