Who Are You Fooling
Have we taken the Lord’s name in vain? Are we Christ like? Are we acting and behaving in a way that would reveal to others the love that God has for them through Jesus? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sponsors make the racing world go round. We need them to support our racing program. We also need to represent them and promote their interests. Racing has a loyal fan base and that can be very beneficial to a sponsor who, in turn, pays for that opportunity.
What happens when we don’t represent our sponsor well? Or maybe we just don’t fit the profile. What would you think if a 16 year old started promoting Geritol? How believable do you think he/she would be?
The same thing is true with Christ, when we claim to be Christian, Christ Like, we say that we have given our life over to Christ and are making every effort to live a life that reflects His character. My point is, sometimes we are not doing a very good job.
I was watching an event recently and observed a man I know, he says all the right things and claims to be a Christian, but when I hear what others say about him and I watch the way he handles himself on and off the track I cannot help but wonder if he really is trying.
When you have several officials, accompanied by a few State Troopers, follow you to your trailer after the feature and they would like to discuss your behavior, maybe there is some work to be done.
When other competitors comment that if you remain in their division then they will change divisions or race somewhere else, maybe there are things that need to be addressed. Listen to how James puts it;
James 1:22-25 (New Living Translation), But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror; you see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
You see just claiming to be a Christian is not enough, we need to act like one. We need to be obedient to God. We need to change the priorities in our lives. Not an easy task when it requires putting the needs of others first. Most times in our lives our needs come first and when we have taken care of what we need then we look around to see if there is anyone else in need.
That is not the way God intended us to behave, if we think so then we are fooling ourselves. We can rationalize it all we want, but the fact is we tend to care more about ourselves than others.
Take a look in the mirror or better yet, let someone video tape you and watch it back. Is it easy for other’s to see God in our behavior? James says when you look in a mirror you should see what you claim to be. We shouldn’t be two faced, looking one way and then another.
Many times we can behave properly when people are watching. It is a rare occasion that we behave poorly in front of a crowd. Don’t get me wrong it does and will happen. I see it every day. That just indicates that we need more practice at doing what we ought to and less practice of doing what we want.
We need to follow the example Jesus set for us, we need to follow God’s direction. Even when it is not popular, attention getting, comfortable, secure; even when it is not what we want to do. We need to do it so that others will see the grace, mercy, compassion and peace of God.
As James says, if we claim to be Christians and do not live in obedience to God’s word we are fooling ourselves. Not only that the rest of the world is laughing at us also. They laugh because we are no better off knowing Christ. They can see it in our actions.
James also says, if we are obedient and practice following God’s direction we will be blessed. God’s favor will be on our lives. He will give us hope, peace, joy, a fulfilling future of things that matter, not of things that rust and fade away.
We need to be doers of the Word, not just listeners. Don’t think the world is laughing with you because you have sinned, they are laughing at you. Make every effort to live according to the name you have claimed, the name of Jesus. Are we Christians? Would the world be able to tell from the life we live?
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
THOMPSON ON A MID-SUMMER NIGHT- As we returned to Thompson Speedway, the first time since the Icebreaker, we face the memories of what this night has brought our way. It is never easy for me to think about what might be. If I have an uneasy feeling, there are many more in the garage area that have better reason to be.
I walked through the garage on Thursday afternoon remembering those who have had their world turned upside down, saying a special prayer for each one of them, asking God to give them an extra measure of grace and peace. As I walked this day I found Grandpa Blewett, sitting in the shade enjoying the beautiful weather. I approached and asked him how he was doing. I knew this was not an easy place to come to.
We talked about things, the junkyard, the family, the memories, the future; the many things he has seen in his eighty plus years. We reminisced and talked of days gone by and how they changed the future, what might have been, what we thought should have been. We talked about how each one of us has a role in touching and shaping the lives around us. About how thankful we were to have had the time, however short, to spend with loved ones. We talked as old friends do about what they know best and looked with hope to the future.
I wrote last week about talking to each other face to face. I count it pure joy to look into another’s eyes and see the emotion and impact that a loved one has left. An impression was made that will never be forgotten. Thanks Grandpa for allowing me the time to sit and talk, to reminisce, to make the day a little easier to get through.
THIS NIGHT BELONGED TO TC- It didn’t matter what chariot he drove or whose horses were under the hood, the Sk and the Tour car ended up in the same place, victory lane. TC would prove to be the car to beat and served notice that he intended to challenge for the Championship. Who will rise to the occasion and give him a run?
Bobby Santos had a great comeback outing after the disappointing DNF at Stafford and brought the Mystic Missile home third, but it was Ronnie Silk who had the chance to claim the victory. On the Green, White, Cheecker finish it looked like he may have enough car to take down the win but ended up settling for second. He is slowly climbing the ladder, third, second, could we see him in victory lane at Bristol?
With the victory and most laps led TC moved to the head of the class, fourteen points ahead of Bobby Santos. Looks like it is going to be a thriller of a points battle with the top five only separated by 120 points. No one has the liberty of a bad race now.
A WELCOME SHORT RIDE- Rev. Scott and Rev. Ray headed down to Waterford to cover the Wings and Wheels show Saturday night and had this to say; this week was the first time in two months that I had a short drive to an MRS race at the famed Waterford Speedbowl in CT. We knew we were going to see some heavy action as 31 ground pounders showed up in the pit area for 24 starting spots. Some of the best showed up for this event with Ted Christopher in the 00 and Keith Rocco who earlier in the evening clinched the Whelen All-American Series National title was primed to run in a brand new troyer chassis car owned by Kevin Stuart.
This night belonged to the Kid from Bellingham, MA. 20 Year old Steve Masse started from the pole and never looked back. After some early mayhem the field spread out and No one could catch him. Teddy was close for a while but once they met lapped traffic young Masse pulled away. The season opener winner Doug Coby passed Whelen Modified Tour regular Rowan Pennink with a few laps to go to finish third with Rowan finishing 4th.
Next week we will be off to Seekonk, MA so make sure you get out there and support this exciting modified division.
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***
August 20
ANDY & BARBARA HALL- This former NASCAR PR director, now Indy Racing League official, and wife have their 21st anniversary.
DAN & LAURIE WALKER- The Public Relations Director at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and wife share their 25th.
August 21
JERRY & LESLIE BURCHETTE- This Super Pro IHRA driver and wife share their 17th anniversary.
STEVE & BONNIE MILLER- This NASCAR CWES couple from Waterford, NJ have their 37th anniversary.
August 23
JIM & PAT SPENCER- The former driver now TV personality from Berwick, PA and lovely wife share their 30th.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
August 18
DAVEY JOHNSON- Imperial, PA S.T.A.R.S. Late Model driver.
DOUG DIDERO- Oswego Speedway/ISMA SuperModified driver.
SAM STERN- MA ProStock driver.
BETH SEMINARA- Originally from Brewster, NY now Mt. Holly, NC, wife of “Area Auto RAcing News” Nextel Cup photographer Ted.
AMANDA VECCHIO- The daughter of Syracuse, NY former NASCAR CWES team owners Tony and Debbie is 12.
August 19
MIKE ROWE- One of Maine’s legendary NASCAR CWES/LM drivers and very proud dad of Turner, Maine KNPSE/LM driver Benji.
PAUL SPENCER- Berwick, PA brother of Verses commentator JIm.
TIM BENDER- Colden, NY NASCAR KNPSE driver.
FRAN COLSON- Leominster, MA ProStock driver.
JIM KEEKER- USAC Midget driver.
LINDA SANSEVERINO- Wife of Hillsborough, NC photographer Ed.
JULIE POTTER- Preston, CT Modified fan.
August 20
JOHN LESNIAK- Wallingford, CT NASCAR KNPSE driver
CHARLIE KREMER- NJ asphalt Modified driver.
STEVE MILLER- Waterford, NJ KNPSE team part-owner.
DENNIS PUNCH- PR man for the Brewco NNS Team. Dennis is also Dr. Jerry’s brother.
August 21
NEAL FEOLA- He really isn’t “Nasty Neal” and is a Blunderbust driver at Riverhead Raceway.
TIM ATTAYA- Promoter of the Augusta, ME civic Center Motorsports Show in January and Maine TV personality.
RENE LaLUMIERE- Jefferson, NH retired LM driver.
KAREN MARQUIS- Enfield, CT wife of former NASCAR WMT and KNPSE driver Jerry.
BILL SANSEVERINO- Son of Hillsborough, NC photographer Ed and wife Linda.
August 22
STAN FRIESEN- Owner of NY’s Lancaster and Ransomville Speedways.
NICHOLAS GRAVEL- One of ProStock driver Gege and wife Lisa’s children in Groton, MA.
TIFFANY FULLER- A daughter of NNS/WMT driver Jeff and wife Lisa is 12.
GAGE MICHAEL COLEMAN- The son of former Waterford Speedbowl Modified Team owner Danny, and future driver turned his 11th lap.
CHELSEA BREHM- Mechanicsburg, PA. Jr. Champ Kart racer and Daughter of Merl Brehm turns 15.
August 23
STEVE PARK- E. Northport, LI, NY NSC/NNS/CWTS/KNPSE/WMT driver.
KENNY WALLACE- NSC/NNS driver from St. Louis, MO
ED KENNEDY- Coppell, TX ARCA/NASCAR KNPSE/NASCAR retired WMT driver.
ANDREW McILRAVEY- “Big Mac” is a 1960’s Plainville, CT Stadium driver, now a regular at Stafford, Waterford andThompson. True to his heritage you can spot him by his plaid shirts.I am told this year is lap 83!
NICOLE TRACI- Accord Speedway dirt Sportsman driver.
DORIS BRADLEY- The mother-in-law of Steve Wood from Oakhurst, NJ.
August 24
DAVID BONNETT- Hueytown, AL NSC/ARCA driver.
MIKE JEFFREY- NY DIRT Modified driver.
TOM PERREGO- Another NY DIRT Mod driver.
CHUCK DOCHERTY- Connecticut ProStock/SK Mod driver.
TED HEBERT- Agawam, MA proprietor of Teddy Bear Pools, long time racing sponsor.
AMANDA HAYES- Daughter of NH photographer Rich and wife Dede.
SARAH SMITH- Fiance of ACT crewman whose favorite singer is Wayne Newton.
*** IN THE SHOP ***
MICHAEL PARES UPDATE- Mike’s wife Carol reported that after four surgeries the doctor said it looks good and that he should be on the road to recovery. He will need the IV for the antibiotics for at least 8 weeks. They will teach him what to do. He can lift his right leg really high, now he’ll start exercises on his left leg. Hopefully this infection is gone! He feels better now. The surgeon said when Michael gets to a race track he is to take a photo, sign it and he’ll hang it up in his office. Michaels has a long road ahead and can still use our thoughts, prayers and encouragement. Send him a note telling him you want to be in that picture that gets sent to the surgeon. His address is; 5 Broadway, Wayne, NJ 07470
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