Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
I have been spending some time recently thinking about the decisions we make in life. Many times we think they only affect us, but in reality there affects are more far reaching. We would do well to consider the circumstances that are created from our decisions. We would do well to start looking at the big picture and not just focusing on our little world. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We all have seen it; some have been the recipient of it, a decision on the track that leads to several cars in a heap. A driver making a choice without regard for who or what is around them. You know the tell tale sign, “I though I could make it work.”
That is what happens when we are more concerned about ourselves and have less or no concern for others. I understand that this is racing and chances have to be taken. I have also heard the saying, “He ran out of talent”. Just because chances need to be taken doesn’t mean anyone can take them.
There has to be some consideration and respect for the other people on the track. If you are loose and you see a hole on the bottom entering the turn, you might be tempted to take it. You might make it. The likelihood though is that you will move up the track into the car on the outside. When that happens there are many ways it could go, from eight wheels turning better than four to a crash that end the championship hunt for the driver you just put into the wall.
Let me end the discussion here, “I thought I could make it” doesn’t cut it. We need to return to a day when we had more respect for those we run with. The same is true in life. Many times we live our life making decisions, choices, without a real understanding of how that will affect those around us. We go through life without a care in the world and when things happens, when the consequences of our decisions become all too real, we don’t know where to turn.
Most people spend very little time thinking through some of the most important decisions of their lives. We follow a strategy that we will deal with it tomorrow, today I am going to live it up. I know it is true, just remember your last hangover, did it stop you from drinking?
One thing is true about us as human beings; we will not change until we cannot deal with the consequences of our decisions.
Don’t get me wrong I am not pointing fingers, I too belong to this group, we all do. Paul writes in Romans,
Romans 7:18, I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
We all know what is right, we all want to make the right decisions but we are powerless to do that. Try as we might we cannot overcome the power that is within us to be selfish, to look out for number one, to do what we feel like doing with no regard for others. And until the circumstances from those choices overwhelm us we will not consider living any other way.
You may have heard of a few people who have had to hit “rock bottom” before they considered living a different lifestyle. For many of us that is our fate. The lucky few figure it out before it cost them everything. There is hope. God knew the power of our sinful nature. God knew how strong the temptation would be.
Romans 8:3-4, For what the law (rules and regulations to control our choices) was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-2, Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
I switched the verses around a little to make it easier to follow. The basic point is this, try as we might to overcome the desire within us to do what we want instead of what is right, we cannot. We are powerless. That is why we are frustrated every time we do something we told ourselves we wouldn’t. The power to overcome is not within us.
Paul refers to the law, think of it this way, how many rules and regulations have we put in place to control human behavior? Speed Limits, stop signs, stripes on the road, alcohol blood levels, laws against prostitution, the list goes on. Let me ask you, has it worked?
We both know the answer, the reason why, the power isn’t within us to change; we need the power of God through Jesus Christ. That is the only source of power that will change us. Many claim to have it, but only a few really do receive the true power of salvation. You can see it in the way they live their lives.
What enables us to turn our priority system upside down? God and only God. Most times the order looks like this, Me, Myself, I, maybe someone I care about, maybe others, then, if I get in a real tight spot, I might call on God. That order of priorities will only lead us to death and destruction.
When we rearrange that order and realize that the only source of real change is God we begin a new way of thinking. The old is gone the new has come. That is only possible by accepting the sacrifice Jesus made for us and allowing the Holy Spirit to live in us, guiding our thoughts and actions.
Decisions, decisions, decisions, life is full of them. We can go through life making the ones that fulfill our own desires and deal with the consequences or we can choose to let the life changing power of God transform our minds. Helping us learn how to live the abundant life He promised us. The decision is ours.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
MOTORSPORTS 2011 – Things are getting close and we are excited about what we have in store. I am still waiting for some additional drivers to get back to me with commitments but we have plans for an autograph session at The RWJM booth on Saturday afternoon. So far we have Justin Bonsignore, Heather DesRochers, Rowan Pennink, and Eddie MacDonald scheduled. We hope to add a few more so watch this space for last minute updates.
On Friday night Justin Bonsignore is planning on revealing his 2011 Whelen Modified Tour ride. A new paint scheme and sponsor are on board. Make plans now to be the first to see it.
Sunday morning on the main stage Racing with Jesus Ministries will conduct Chapel services, so come and be a part of something special. The service is open to the public and accessible without entering the show.
AND THE EXCITEMENT CONTINUES TO BUILD – The “off-season” kicks into high gear. Motorsports 2011 begins a series of events where you can come out and meet us. The week following Motorsports 2011 has us in three different places on both coasts. Dan and I will head to Irwindale California for the Toyota All-Star Showdown, Ricky Maddox will head to Atlantic City for the indoor races at Boardwalk Hall and Rev. Scott and Ray will head to Frank Maratta’s Auto Show in Hartford to be part of their Motorsports Expo.
From California I head to Providence to be at the Dunk for the indoor Quarter Midget racing. Then it is off to Florida to take in some dirt and asphalt short track racing. Oh yes I think there is that other big race down there also.
Then we head back home to prepare for the upcoming season. Hope to see you on the road. 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***
January 15
TONY & BRENDA HIRSCHMAN- This Northampton, PA NASCAR WMT/CWSE GRAND NATIONAL championship driver and wife share their 33rd anniversary.
January 16
STEVE & TAMMY WOOD- This New Jerseyite, now in Mooresville, NC and wife share their 12th anniversary.
January 18
WILL & JENNIFER POIGNONNEC- This Oakland Valley Race Park (Cuddebackville, NY) Kart racer and wife share 8th anniversary.
GREG & DEBBIE DICKERSON- LI Mod fans enjoy their special day.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
January 12
BOBBY DRAGON – Milton, VT K&NPSE driver.
KERRY TEAGUE – Concord, NC NSC/NNS driver.
MATTHEW KOCHER- This Quarter Midget driver at Blue Mountain QMRA is Berlinsville, PA, and son of Kerri Sue and Eric Kocher, Mahoning Valley Mod driver, turns 13.
RUSH LIMBAUGH – New York, NY Indy car fan; radio host.
January 13
ERNIE IRVAN – Salinas, CA Sprint Cup retired driver.
TIM NOONER – Las Vegas, NV NASCAR Truck driver.
KEVIN ALLEN – of New Milford, Ct is a crew member on Lloyd Agor’s team at Stafford Speedway.
January 14
SCOTT DEWARE – South Easton, MA NASCAR K&NPSE and GT driver.
TONY DIAS, JR. – Son of Riverside, RI Seekonk ProStock driver, Tony, Sr.
JASON THOMAS – A grown-up son of Maine based “Racin’ Paper” Publisher and Editor, Mark.
January 15
TIM CONNOLLY- Endwell, NY Mod Series driver.
DENNIS DOYLE- Plymouth, CT former NASCAR K&NPSE driver.
DAVE LAMPRON- Gorham, ME driver.
January 16
TIM ARRE- Toms River, NJ WMT and Wall Township Speedway driver and past S.M.A.R.T. Modified champion.
A.J. FOYT- Houston, TX retired Indy car great turned team owner.
DAVE ROSENFIELD- Bridgewater, MA ProStock driver.
January 17
ERIC BODINE- Chemung, NY Former NASCAR K&NPSE driver.
LAKE SPEED- Kannapolis, NC retired NSC driver and unashamed Christian.
ERIN VENTH- Daughter of former Harbach X90 Modified crewman George Venth is 10.
January 18
VAL LeSIEUR- No. Easton, MA former Publisher of “Speedway Scene.”
BEN DODGE- Vernon, CT Whelen Modified Tour Start/Finish Productions Team owner and Thompson Speedway Special Advisor.
GINA FRANCIS- Wife of former Jamie Tomaino NASCAR WMT crewman Tom, both now residing happily in Denver,NC.
NICOLE ACKERLY- Daughter of Orange County driver Ray and wife Paula.
ROBERT GEIBEL- A very special friend of Laura Dennis from Brick, NJ and a Jamie Tomaino WMT and Steve Park fan.
BRAEDEN DOUST, Marcellus, NY – son of Sportsman driver Greg Doust.
Sources: Rev. Don Rivers/RWJM