Ambition, The Beginning
When the season starts we all have ambitions. I have looked at many a race schedule, listened to many a driver and have seen some pretty ambitious ones. Having ambition is not a bad thing; it can move us from where we are to where we need to be. But, it can all get lost very quickly when it becomes selfish and blind. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We have all seen them, people who have to get to the top, regardless of who they push out of the way to get there. They use others as stepping stones as they climb the ladder of success. They bend and break the rules in their favor, rationalize it to themselves that everyone is doing it so it is alright; I am just getting my fair share.
We see it at the track also; those who take, take, take and refuse to come under the authority of others. They think the rules don’t apply to them and they can do whatever they want whenever they want; whether with the car or on the track. Bending the rules is one thing, but flat out breaking them for your own benefit is wrong. Justifying it by using your ambition to succeed makes it even worse. What is it worth if you have to lie, steal and cheat to get it?
This past weekend we saw what blind, selfish ambition can lead to on the race track. We have an injured driver because one competitor decided that he would not follow the rules. When the black flag waved it was ignored. Instead the driver continued and eventually caused an accident leading to the injury of another driver. What was he thinking? He wasn’t thinking of those around him. He wasn’t thinking of the risk to others. He was thinking of himself and what he wanted to do, without regard to anyone else.
That is the problem when we are motivated by blind, selfish ambition. We don’t see or care for those around us. As far as I am concerned this is one of the most destructive things we have to face in society today. There are too many of us trying to get ahead with only the thought of ourselves on our minds; the trinity of selfishness, me, myself and I. We have no regard for those around us and turn a blind eye to the needs of others; all for the sake of our benefit.
I have been on this give and take soap box for a few weeks now. I think it is important to remember how much was given so that we could have the freedom to be ambitious. We talked last week on how we can be so focused on achieving a particular result that we have little attention for those around us. Let me refer back to the passage from Matthew’s Gospel I quoted last week, Matthew 25:31-46, I would like to spend some time unpacking this;
Matthew 25:31- 33; “The Son of Man will come in all his glory. All the angels will come with him. Then he will sit on his throne in the glory of heaven. All the nations will be gathered in front of him. He will separate the people into two groups. He will be like a shepherd who separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep to his right and the goats to his left.
The fact remains when this life is over each one of us will have to stand before God and have the decisions we made in life judged by Him. He won’t be listening to our reasons, he won’t give an ear to our excuses, and do you know why? He knows what is in our hearts.
Do you know the sensitivity of our heart determines what we see and don’t see? It determines our actions and how we respond to those around us who have needs. If we have the heart of Jesus we see a very different world. In fact our main ambition in life should be to condition our heart so that is reflects the love of Christ. If our heart is not in the right condition we will not see those in need.
Judgment comes at the end of this life; God is the one we stand before. He already knows our motives and the condition of our heart. He will separate the sheep from the goats.
I think it is ironic that goat has been used to describe someone who has achieved tremendous earthly success, Greatest Of All Time, and yet it speaks nothing to the best thing we can do on this earth, meeting the needs of others.
We will spend a little time here talking, contrasting blind, selfish ambition with what we should have an ambition to do in our lives.
I do however want you to give this some thought this week, when we stand before God our fate is sealed, no arguments, no defense, no excuses, no explanations, God will separate the sheep and the goats without discussion. All he will concern Himself with is the condition of our heart.
Start this week by changing the condition of your heart, kneel before God, accept the sacrifice Christ made on the cross for our sins, ask for His forgiveness and give your life to Him.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
WEATHER CONTINUES TO REARRANGE THE SCHEDULE– Stafford Motor Speedway along with Lee USA Speedway were among the few that were able to put on a show this week. From Maine to Georgia rain hampered the racing schedule. When will this end?
Rev. Dan made the trip To Gresham Motorsports Park outside of Atlanta. They just got the Opening Ceremonies in and the rain began to fall. They were committed to get the race in though and the green flag fell close to the eleven o’clock hour after a four hour delay.
Max Gresham knows the track that his dad built well, after securing the pole he went on to win the race. I guess you can have a home court advantage in racing. Matt DiBenedetto followed along, qualifying second and finishing second. Before we get carried away thinking there was not action Andrew Smith was the biggest mover of the night from 23rd to 3rd. We’ll be with the K&N Pro Series this Saturday in Langley, VA, should be a great show.
THOMPSON TRIED– Thursday night Thompson made a valiant effort but when the puddles started to form boat racing was a better option. We were pretty hard hit in our neighborhood, two trees down, one by wind, one by lightning, power out for over twenty four hours. Helped us have some degree of compassion for those who have lost everything this spring.
PREECE ROLLS IN THE SK 100– Ryan Preece has faced some adversity this year, ambitious plans to run Thompson, Stafford, some Open Mod shows and the Whelen Modified Tour have been scaled back, They just didn’t have the resources to continue the tour deal. Last week he lost a victory at Stafford when he came up 10 pounds light in tech. What was next?
Victory Lane of course, Ryan pulled away from the field on his way to a victory in the SK100. In Victory Lane he waxed philosophical in his comments, “it is the adversity that makes the victory sweeter.” He said. Profound words for a twenty year old.
BOBBY CHECKS IN FROM LEE– It was the night of a Full Moon but yet the Moon in the sky said differently at Lee USA Speedway. The Quad Wars were part of an incredible night of racing and the fans surely enjoyed the show.
In every division there was a great deal of give and take but some drivers wanted take and no give. The tempers at Lee tonight were a little to aggressive, tearing up several cars in return. The super modified division car count is staying strong with incredible duals from front to back. In all the divisions tonight the announcer certainly must have enjoyed a break in the action to catch his breath.
I had the opportunity tonight to spend some wonderful time listening to various crew members, owners and fans. The Holy Spirit took me in another direction from previous evenings at the track. I ran solo this evening as Vinetta stayed back home caring for our Lab after emergency surgery this week. I was blessed to meet many fans, various crews, car owners and listened to what is going on in their lives. In Proverbs 16:9; The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. I had planned out the evening at Lee, but it was the Lord who guided my steps.
LENDING A HAND TO THE THE MEFFORD FAMILY– The Anderson Speedway family is mourning the loss of its great friend and family member, William Mefford. Willie succumbed to the injuries sustained when the hood on his Late Model flew up and the car accelerated at full throttle into the barriers, head on in turn 3, Saturday night May 21st. His family is having some financial difficulties and could use the racing community’s help. If you are interested and can help the family of William Mefford with a contribution, please visit aftertheflowers.org click on the William Mefford link under recent recipients.
EVERYTHING ELSE FALLS TO WEATHER– The MRS show at Seekonk and the NEMA show at Twin State both were victims of foul weather. Reschedule dates have yet to be announced. Maybe this week we will fair better. Have a great week and get out to a local track near you.
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***
June 16
AREA AUTO RACING NEWS- The East’s leading weekly racing publication, led by Publisher Lenny Sammons, celebrates its 46th anniversary.
DANA & LAURIE SAVARY- This Plymouth, MA Seekonk Speedway Street Stock driver and wife celebrate 30 years together.
June 17
DEBBIE AND CHRIS McMURRAY- from Catskill NY are celebrating their 6th wedding anniversary
June 19
CHRIS & LORI HALSTEAD- Point Pleasant, NJ ProStock driver at Wall Stadium and wife celebrate anniversary No. 12.
June 21
DENNIS & PAT PUNCH- This Hickory, NC Wolf Head’s Oil NNS Public Relations/ Team Manager pro and wife have their 27th anniversary. Dennis is also TV announcer Dr. Jerry’s brother.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
June 15
TODD HUMPHREYS- Elbridge, NY NASCAR KNPSE driver.
TREVOR NICKEL- This aspiring photographer is the son of Thompson Speedway photographer Scott and Joan.
June 16
SCOTT PURSELL- Frenchtown, NJ dirt Modified driver.
DEREK LYNCH- Augusta, ME LM/NASCAR KNPSE driver.
VICTORY MIBELLI- Windsor, CA NASCAR West driver.
THOMAS SCHRAMM- Hulmesville, PA Legends driver.
BOB SNYDER- PA photographer.
NIKKI KITCHENS- Daughter of Birmingham, AL NNS driver, team owner Jimmy.
DAN POZZUTO- The VP of Operations for Ed Ferree’s corporations based in Saxonburg, PA and team member on Ed’s winning Pennsylvania Motor Speedway Big Block Late Model.
June 17
TOMMY BARRON- Ontario, NY driver of the dirt ProStock 28T at Fulton Speedway.
WAYNE SAVLUK- Lisbon, CT former Mod/ProStock driver; proprietor of Savluk’s Service.
PAUL SURPRENANT- Agawam, MA based Modified driver.
ELAINE LaLUMIERE- Jefferson, NH wife of former ACT driver Rene.
June 18
GIL HEARNE- Hueytown, AL born retired multi-time Wall Township Speedway Modified champion.
JOE MAMMOLITO- Long Island retired Modified Series driver.
GAYLE FERREE- From Saxonburg, PA is the wife of Ed; championhsip Big Block LM dirt driver.
JILL OKULA- Daughter of Wayne, Charger Driver for #67 at Riverhead Raceway & Sharon.
June 19
SCOTT RIGGLEMAN- Howell Township, NJ ARTS Truck championship driver.
June 20
This is Rev. Pat’s Birthday, please remeber his family today.
JERRY COOK- Six time NASCAR Modified champion from Rome, NY, now in the Safety Department of NASCAR in Charlotte, NC.
RON HORNADAY, JR.- Palmdale, CA NNS/CWTS driver.
DAVID HUTTO- Rock Hill, SC NASCAR driver.
JODY TANNER- Portland, OR NASCAR West driver.
BRIANNE LEHMAN- The daughter of Smithville, OH AARN columnist “Doc” Lehman.
DAVE SUKUP- A son of retired Midget owner, Joe Sukup, of Schodack Landing, NY.
TYLER HEARN- Son of famous dirt Mod driver Brett.
GEORGE McKELVEY- Official at New Egypt and on the Whelen Modified Tour enjoys his special day.
June 21
CHRIS JONES- New Milford, CT NASCAR Modified driver.
BOB SLOTTER- PA asphalt Modified driver.
PHIL PARSONS- Detroit, MI Former driver now TV commentator.
JUDY WIBBELSMAN- The wife of RWJM advisor Dick, down in Gainesville, FL.
*** NEW BEGINNINGS ***
JOE ROZYCKI- TITUSVILLE, Fla.- Joe, 59, died at his home on May 31, 2011, a former resident of Naugatuck and long time crew member, friend, & sponsor of John Jensen’s 179 SK Mod team at Stafford, Waterford & Thompson. When he moved to Titusville, FL, he continued to support the team on their trips to New Smyrna, FL during Speedweeks. Joe suffered from Polio but his crutches never were a hindrance as he moved around the car like a man with no handicaps motivated by his love for the Mods.
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