Paradise
Answered prayers hold the promise of hope. They let us know that God hears our requests and provides for our needs. Last week the first words Christ spoke from the cross involved a prayer for those who crucified him. This week as he spoke he answered a prayer. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
When things are hopeless, when the future looks dim, when we cannot see what tomorrow holds for us we turn to God and ask for his help. That is prayer, a conversation with God. Does he hear them? Does he answer them? That depends on if you have a relationship with him.
You and I both know it is easier to receive help from someone you know. I have said it many times at the track, the willingness to help one another make it a special group of people to be around. I have seen it many times, teams helping teams so that they could race. We all understand the challenges to get to the track and have your car ready. Then something breaks and you don’t have a spare. That is when you know who your friends are.
That is the key; those who know us and care about us are willing to help us. If you walked up to a total stranger and asked for twenty bucks, how likely would you be to get it? On the other hand if you walked up to a friend and asked the chances are they would give you whatever you needed, probably forty or fifty.
Jesus found himself nailed to the cross, enduring the pain for you and me. He was there between two thieves, one on his right, another on his left. He was there for us, they were there because the deserved it. We see that he still had compassion for those who sought him out.
Luke 23:32-43, Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals–one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus speaks from the cross a second time, this time he answers a prayer. Look at the contrast of the criminals on the crosses, one belligerent and hurling insults, the other had a fear of God, a respect for Christ. Together they sum up the two options, for or against. There is no middle ground. You either honor God or you don’t.
The thief on the right asked Jesus to remember Him when he came into his kingdom. Look closely, not if you come into your kingdom, when. He had done some terrible things in his life, terrible enough to be sentenced to death. He understood that that was unacceptable to God and he prayed to the only one who could save him, Jesus.
Jesus responded, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Salvation is that simple, acknowledge God and ask for his forgiveness. God will receive you into His kingdom. Jesus still wasn’t focused on his needs he was focused on the needs of those around him.
How easily are we distracted from the needs of those around us? How easily do we get lost in our own difficulties and challenges that we forget what is going on around us? How many times do we push someone away because we don’t have time? How often are we so wrapped up in ourselves that we cannot see the needs of those around us?
Jesus wasn’t too busy or distressed to hear the prayer of a lost soul. He has set an example for us to follow. Let us take some time and listen to those around us. Let us make every effort to focus on the needs of others and not on our own.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
EARLY SEASON WEATHER WOES- After a wonderful Icebreaker weekend the weather proved it can create many problems. Let’s hope we get things straightened out for the kickoff of Stafford’s season this weekend.
With a break in the action this week I took the opportunity to catch up on some things. First I hung around the zoo, the Bronx Zoo that is. Lynda and I helped our daughter celebrate her 25th birthday. Then we headed to Newport to spend some down time with friends who have a time share there. Then it was off to Maine to do some cleanup from the winter. At 73 my father in law doesn’t need to be out in the woods with a chain saw. So, I am all rested up to head to Stafford for the Sizzler, let’s hope for another great weather weekend and a great race. See you there.
LOOKS LIKE THERE IS DIRT IN OUR FUTURE- Look for RWJM to be hanging out in the dirt a little bit this year. We are working with The World Racing Group to make sure they have coverage at their events this year. We will be coordinating things with Finish Line Chaplains. Pray that God’s work will be done and He will be honored.
IMHO (In My Humble opinion), some thoughts from Rev. Bill;
-Is it just me or is the silly season coming early this year. Kasey Kahne is going to Hendricks in 2012.
-Join me I am praying for a little boy named Conner who has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His dad is the track photographer at Dog Hollow Speedway.
-Received some good news about Judy Beck, wife of MRO Western PA Chaplain Bill Beck. She has been battling complications from back surgery and has been transferred to a hospital closer to home since she is improving. We continue to keep both of them in prayer.
-I never dreamed I would be a contributor in AARN. I have been a long time reader of such columns as Stan Dillon, Ernie Saxton, and Guy Smith. I am grateful for this opportunity.
-The storm that passed through our area on Friday ruined Motordrome’s second attempt at an opening night and squashed Bedford’s attempt to open their season. Next Friday at Bedford is the Lucas Oil Late Model Series. If you want to see one of the best series traveling the US, this is your opportunity.
-BTW- I am not Pedals the Clown! Although the plans for “Pedals” at Bedford sound like a really cool idea and that helps to make the track even more fan friendly.
-Will Dave and Dave actually write a column each week?
-OT How do you get away with allegedly forcing yourself on a young intoxicated girl? Answer- Play quarterback in the NFL. It has been interesting to hear the discussion here in Western PA about this whole deal. It is disheartening to hear those defend the actions by describing the talent of the man. Character does matter in life. Racing has had its problems but it does seem like our sport has a little more class than the other professional sports. I hope that all of us in the racing community thinks before they act at the track and try to respect the fellow human beings in the cars, the pits, and the stands. If you believe the Bible, we are all created in the image of God and so we deserve respect. Even those who you consider your rivals and worse! Let’s not turn our tracks into “Madhouse” clones.
-If you are a go-kart driver and you weigh 200lbs., you ought to check out the East meets West Series. This series races about 9 times and features some incredible purses and prizes. Pre registration ends May 10th.
Contact me at revbill87@comcast.net, 724-832-6436, or at 703 Green Street, Greensburg, PA 15601.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at www.rwjm.com. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. 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” Check our home page www.rwjm.com for past articles. Drop us a note and share your input and thoughts. 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 21
JAMES & IONEY WARNER- This Martinsville Speedway infield staffer and wife, both close friends of Rev. pat,
celebrate their 12th anniversary.
April 22
ROGER & MELISSA HORVATH- This NY ELS Sprint driver and wife have their 15th anniversary.
J.J. & KELLY MICHAELS- This Small Block Modified driver at Fulton and Utica-Rome Speedways in New York and his
wonderful wife Kelly share their 11th anniversary.
April 23
PAUL & MICHELLE McELEARNEY- This veteran Riverhead Raceway LM driver and wife have their anniversary today.
April 26
MIKE AND SHARON TALLMAN- A crewman on the Thompson Speedway Modified driven by Sharon’s brother Tom Tagg and his
wife have anniversary 24.
April 27
GEORGE AND BEVERLY BOULEY- The family that races together stays together. This family that includes children Kim and KNPSE driver Scott and the entire #26 team started at Danbury Arena and have become a common sight at tracks throughout the East. They always have a smile and a laugh despite what the circumstances may be. Let us wish them a blessed anniversary as they complete 55 laps in the family camper
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
April 21
JIM BRODRICK- A close personal friend of Rev. Pat’s from Brookfield, CT on semi-retirement from WMT and Sk mods and concentrating on son Bobba’s carreer.
KEVIN GRUBB- NNS driver.
RANDY GLENSKI- NY D.I.R.T. Mod driver.
STEVE BARRICK- Flemington, NJ President of Program Dynamics which produces weekly programs for track all over the East Coast.
STEPHANIE SHAW- Wife of Center Conway, NH KNPSE driver Dale.
April 22
BOB HOWARD- Colorado Springs, CO NASCAR West driver.
April 23
ROBBIE CROUCH- Burlington, VT’s “Tampa Tornado” retired NASCAR KNPSE/LM driver.
JASON KELLER- Greensville, SC NNS driver.
P.J. JONES- Rolling Hills, CA Indy car/ NASCAR Truck series driver.
CHUCK GAFRARAR- Team Penske fabricator.
AL ROBINSON- World-wide race announcer and Storyteller extraordinaire.
J.J. O’MALLEY- Al’s buddy and the PR Director at Watkins Glen Speedway.
BOB PRATT- A brother of Joe Pratt, NJ Mod driver Ed and uncle of sportsman driver Richie Pratt, Jr.
MICHELLE McELEARNEY- The wife of Commack, NY Riverhead LM driver, Paul.
April 24
RICK SCHAFFER- Woxall, PA all-time winningest Mod driver at Grandview.
HERMIE SADLER- Emporia, VA NNS/NSC driver.
ED FLEMKE- Southington, CT NASCAR WMT Modified driver/ chassis builder.
CHERYL MARKS- Grandview Souvenier Stand Manager.
LINDA GOLDEN- Daughter of retired Midget owner Joe Sukup from Schodack Landing, NY.
WALTER NEWCOMB- Keeper of the cup, this Long Island WMT crewmwmber has his big day.
April 25
BOB KLUKUS- Crewmember for Jamie Tomaino on the WMT turns the BIG 50!
BILL HENDERSON- Owner of a KARS Sprint team at Williams Grove.
MIKE LENMAN- Driver of Bill Henderson’s KARS Sprint.
RAY MILLER- Former driver of the Henderson KARS Sprint.
JOHN MICHALOWSKI, JR.- From Riverhead, NY, now driving LMSC in NC.
CHET THOMPSON- Former Wall Township Speedway driver, now G.S.U.S.C.E. member and race fan.
SHAWN PODZIEWSKI- KNPSE crewman.
CHRISTINA CASAGRANDE- Sister of Riverhead Blunderbust driver Bob.
AARON MICHAEL COX- One of Rev. Pat’s cousin Bob and wife Tracy Cox’ children down in Boyertown, PA is 11.
BILL DIMMICH- Slatington, PA Former Pocono 500 chief announcer and TV host.
April 26
JIMMY KITCHENS- Birmingham, AL NNS/NW driver.
JUNIOR MILLER- Winston-Salem, NC WSMT 2005 Chmpionship driver.
RON SHEPHERD- From NY, now in NC driving Modifieds and Concord Motorsports Park Super LMSC.
ROGER GODIN- Maine LM driver.
ALLEN MONETTE- NH ProStock driver.
RON & ED PROVOST- Oxford Plains Speedway official and son.
April 27
BOBBY SUMMERS- The owner of Hossier Tire East in Manchester, CT and provider of the racing rubber for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and proud dad of WMT driver Rob.
RICK KNAPP- Scotland, CT retired Waterford Speedbowl Modified driver.
JIM PETERSON- CT LM driver.
AUSTIN DILLON- A son of NNS driver/spotter Mike and Tina and driver of the famed #3.
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