What’s in There
They say beauty is only skin deep. What you see on the outside is not always what you get. I have seen some good-looking racecars that don’t have what it takes to be competitive on the track. How do we know what’s in there. There is an easy way to find out if what you see is what you get. Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Tech inspection exists for the purpose of making sure the seen and unseen components conform to the rules. The necessity of having to check gives us an indication of our human nature, we tend to try and manipulate things so that we have an advantage. Is it cheating if no one catches you? I can think of many sayings we have, in and out of racing, which help us rationalize bending the rules.
“We get paid to cheat and they get paid to catch us”
“What they don’t know won’t hurt them.”
“No one will ever know”
“Everyone’s doing it.”
Many times we rationalize doing something based on the risk of being caught. Is the reward worth it? If you receive an honor as a result of doing something illegal, immoral or deceitful; is it worth it? Some would say yes, win at all cost. Some would say yes, as long as no one was hurt. God’s word says, no.
Think about how we tend to see things. We bend the rules in our favor. We try to have everything work out to our benefit. We spend time trying to figure out how we can get the upper hand and not get caught. We tend to be self-centered and do everything in our power to achieve the best outcome for us. We spend very little time thinking about others.
I have been known to golf a little bit. Golf is a very interesting sport. There are no officials out there checking to see if you are following the rules. You and you alone are responsible for enforcing the rules on yourself. Call your own penalties. That’s when it gets interesting. How many of us are ready to turn ourselves in for something that violates the rules? They say someone’s true character shows when you watch them play golf, will they cheat themselves or will they hold up the integrity of the rules. What does it matter it’s only a game right?
In Luke’s gospel he tells us that the blessings we receive from God are contingent on how we handle the things of this world. Do we handle them with the moral character that will honor God? Do we view these resources as someone else’s not to be squandered?
Luke 16:10-13; “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
God doesn’t need tech inspection. He knows all that we do, seen and unseen. He knows the secrets that hide in each one of our closets. We cannot hide them from Him. God honors those that honor Him. It comes down to a choice. Who will we serve; God or money?
We love to sit on the fence. We want the best of both worlds. We look at things and decide which side of the fence we will live on today. We choose which side of the fence we want to jump down on and live accordingly. Our decision making process is guided by what we would like to do most. The three people we like to please are, me, myself and I.
God says there are no fence sitters. You either are going to please Him or not. We need to change the way we see things. We need to jump off the fence onto the side that honors and pleases God without concern for ourselves. Then we will know the blessing of God’s presence in our lives.
So what’s inside your life? I would like to encourage you to live with integrity in all your ways, whether someone’s looking or not. We should not need to explain our motives; they should be plain to see. Don’t live our lives always looking over our shoulder wondering if anyone is watching. It is difficult to move forward if we are always looking around. In all we do we should not be ashamed if it is exposed for all to see. Only when we live like this do we experience the presence of God in our lives.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO- Many times I have decisions to make concerning what races to attend. Truth be told, I could probably find some place to be every night of the week. This past weekend had many tremendous opportunities, let me just list some for you; Super Dirt Week, King of the Mountain, Oaklawn Quarter Midgets, Waterford Speed Bowl, Seekonk DAV, Rolling Wheels WOO and I am sure I missed a few.
I am thankful for a group of dedicated ministers that fan out each week to cover in prayer those who race. God has His hand on us and will help us be where we need to be.
I would like to recognize the folks out there ministering in His name, Rev. Dan headed to Syracuse to help out Ed Hawkins and the Finish Line ministry guys, Rev. Scott spent the weekend with the MRS and NEMA at Seekonk. Tony Lofton led chapel Sunday morning down at Oaklane, Bob Menschner headed up to Sundance for the King of the Mountain, and I, well lets just say I tried to cover and support as many bases as I could.
I headed to Syracuse on Friday, to Seekonk on Saturday. Sunday I tended to the Emmanuel Baptist Church, the one I pastor and helped out at Hamden House on Sunday night.
I am excited about the reach that this ministry has developed at the leading of God. He has helped us cover several bases at one time. Thank you also for all the support and encouragement we receive from all of you to continue to be on the road.
PACING THE FIELD- The RWJM Pace Car will be in action at this years Turkey Derby. Grandpa Blewett asked if we would come down to lend our support and our pace car to the event. We would be honored and are looking forward to spending a few days on the Jersey Shore.
WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED- We will close out our NASCAR Touring Series action with a visit to Thompson Speedway this weekend for the World Series of Speedway Racing. As always we look forward to some exciting action at the 5/8 mile track. Bobby Santos and Mike Stefanik will duke it out to see who will come home with the coveted crown. We look forward to seeing you there.
NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT- Hole Shot Drags at Thompson Motor Speedway. Hundred foot drag will put on the show they have been perfecting at Waterford on Friday nights. Anyone can come and race for $30.00. If you just want to watch it will cast you $10.00. I talked with the organizer and he is excited about bringing this event to the area. All the timing and scoring equipment fits in the trunk! The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 24 with test and tune at noon. Check out their website, www.100footdrags.com.
It was a great weekend traveling around and being with race fans and racres this past weekend and I am looking forward to being out there again next week. Have a great week. 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***
October 13
RICH & LORRAINE SYLVESTER- The retired proprietor of Sylvestri’s Auto Care, formerly known as the northern world center of speed, in Canterbury, CT and lovely wife celebrate 48 wonderful years together. Just ask Rich.
October 14
RON & CAROL MENTUS- This AARN racing writer and great Christian witness and wife share their 48th anniversary.
BILL & JUDY ROBINSON- These Wall Township Speedway fans from Whiting, NJ, and she the daughter of Doris Bradley, share their 25th anniversary.
October 15
RANDY & LISA LaJOIE- The Norwalk, CT born NNS/CWTS driver and two-time champion and wife share their 18th anniversary.
JERRY & KAREN MARQUIS- This Enfield, CT popular Former NASCAR KNPSE/WMT driver and wife have their anniversary.
October 16
FRANK & LORI CANNEY- This AARN photographer and wife from Meriden, CT have their 32nd anniversary.
RALPH & LINDA AUSTIN- This Sanford, ME couple, she the Barney McRae scorer, he a Barney McRae crewman, share their 39th anniversary.
October 17
RUSTY & TERRY WATKINS- This NASCAR KNPSE team crewman and wife have their 16th anniversary.
JIMMY & SUSAN STRUPP- The Long Islander, now turned Charlotte, North Carolinian and wife have their 21st.
October 18
RUSTY & ANE BALL- This Keene, NH Claremont Speedway/MRS Modified driver and wife have their 32nd anniversary.
***HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAYS***
October 8
RONNIE F. WILLIAMS-JR Outlaw driver at Stafford Motor Speedway.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
October 13
CAITLIN BROWN- A daughter of Farmingdale, NJ Dwarf Car driver Bobby and wife Carolyn.
October 14
JASON JARRETT- Hickory, NC NNS/ARCA driving grandson of Ned and son of NSC’s Dale.
JOE VENEZIAN- Proprietor of Perth Amboy Springs (NJ) and Statewide Trailers.
JERRY GLANVILLE- Roswell, GA occasional ARCA/NNS driver, former NFL coach and TV commentator.
PATRICK MANNING- Sheldonville, MA Carl Pasteryak Modified fan.
October 15
EARL PELLETIER – Driver of the #27 SK Light at Stafford Motor Speedway.
MATTHEW PELLETIER – Oldest son of #27 SK Light Stafford Motor Speedway driver Earl turns 13.
KRISTIN MARQUIS- Another one of Enfield, CT Karen and NASCAR KNPSE/ WMT driver Jerry’s kids and she celebrates on their anniversary.
October 16
SEAN WOODSIDE- Saugus, CA NASCAR West Series driver.
DON PRINGLE- Ontario, NY Street Stock driver at Spencer Speedway.
WOODY FEBRIELLO- Retired asphalt Modified team owner.
TOODI ROSATI- The former Toodi Gelinas, famous weekly racing columnist, wife of retired Modified driver John Rosati in Agawam, MA.
October 17
KEVIN PELLETIER- Owner of the #27 SK Light at Stafford Motor Speedway.
MARK BRIDGES- Durham, ME former Joe Bessey crewman.
October 18
KEN SPRING- The “Area Auto Racing News” and Racing with Jesus Ministries KNPSE photographer from Braintree, MA.
RIT DULAC- Plantsville, CT NASCAR retired Modified and KNPSE driver.
October 19
SHAUN ROBERTS – Crew member for the #27 SK Light at Stafford Motor Speedway.
RICK FULLER- Auburn, MA NASCAR WMT/Super Late Model driver.
DANA PATTEN- Enfield, NH former NASCAR KNPSE/NNS U.S. Chrome driver.
GARY ST. AMANT- Columbus, OH late model driver.
YOLANDA SHERIDEN- Retired Riverhead Raceway lady driver.
LISA WOOD- Wife of Pelham, NH SuperModified driver Russ.
MICHELLE SAVERY- Daughter of Seekonk driver Dana and wife Laurie.
RUSS DOWD- Thompson Speedway General Manager, golden throated announcer and friend of this ministry.
HOLLY PRINGLE- Ontario, NY 2002 Stock Microd champion at Sodus Microd Club.
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