Peaceful
Have you noticed the world is becoming more “Me First” It seems everywhere you go someone is trying to get ahead of you. What is it that makes us think we deserve to be first? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Racing is built on being first, that’s the whole object. Finishing first on the race track is what we strive for, but being first is different. You can earn your way to the front by racing, but some people think they deserve to be in front. We have to be careful when we think we deserve more than others, when we think more of ourselves that we ought to.
We see it all around us, people thinking they deserve to be first. Whether it is on the track, on the road, at the tollbooth, in the checkout line, just about anywhere we go, people think they deserve to be first. We all have our reasons, but what about those we take from to be first, do we consider their situation? Christ counseled us about thinking we deserve a place at the head table.
Luke 14:7-11, When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, `Give this man your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, `Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
What happens when we don’t get what we think we deserve? How do we feel when we are not treated the way we think we should. What goes through our heart and mind when we start behaving like we are more important than we really are? All things that should make us think. Think about this, “It is better to cut someone some slack, than having to start over.”
In a race it can be as simple as lifting and letting someone in or not driving through someone. If you don’t you could find yourself starting over in the back. Your car could be damaged and your race is over. Many a car capable of winning the race, finishing first, didn’t have that chance because they didn’t cut someone some slack.
In life the same thing is true but the back of the field is a little different. We start over on our road to growing in our relationship with God. We take several steps back when we lose our humility. Life is about making progress toward enjoying the blessings God has for us and living the abundant life He promised. We are moving along that road. Then it happens, we think more of ourselves than we ought and our focus changes from external to internal. We become self-centered.
Remember that Scripture from Stafford, let’s visit it again.
Colossians 3: 8-17; But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
When we are self-centered we view things differently. We get angry. We are motivated to retaliate. We show frustration and stress. We are not much fun to be around.
Is the peace of Christ dwelling in your heart? If it is, there won’t be any anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. You see they both don’t fit inside. When the frustration and anger that we hold onto is removed the peace of Christ remains.
We need to have our priorities right. We need to cut others some slack, understanding. We will then remove the frustration and anger pent up inside. We will be at peace. Christ offers us a better place to live. We need to accept that.
We can go through life angry and frustrated with the world, or we can “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts.
We need to follow the example of Christ, who set aside His standing in Heaven and came to earth to sacrifice His life for us. Even though we were undeserving, He came and gave His life for us. The ultimate peacemaker, Christ made it possible for us to know God. Live in the peace He offers.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
WORLD SERIES WRAPS UP SEASON- Although chilly the sun shone bright at Thompson Speedway this past weekend. In the driver’s meeting they asked for two cars to remain on the track after the feature race, the race winner and the 2008 WMT Champion. They would be one in the same, the #36 driven by TC. This is the first Whelen Modified Championship for TC after many close calls. Maybe marriage does agree with him? Teddy clearly was chomping at the bit to go to the lead but he held back and shadowed his nearest competitor, Matt Hirschman. When Matt slowed and pitted because of a faulty alternator the path to the front was clear. TC didn’t have to be told twice, he went to the front and won both the race and the championship. He said in victory lane he wanted to eliminate any confusion and have only one car for folks to focus on.
A disappointed Matt Hirschman made his to Victory Lane to congratulate Ted. Matt has proven he has what it takes and one day he will have his day in the sun.
Following TC home were Chuck Hossfeld, Ronnie Silk, Doug Coby, and Erick Rudolph Erick Rudolph had a great week after winning up at Syracuse. Veteran Jamie Tomaino showed he still has what it takes coming home sixth and capping a late season resurgence.
All in all it was a great season. We want to thank everyone who encouraged and supported us. Our Chapel service on Sunday was fantastic, it was great to see so many come out to honor God. We feel honored to serve you in the name of our Lord. Thank You.
WEBSITE UPDATES- Take a stop by our website and you will notice some additions. We have a place for you to remember and honor our founder Rev. Pat. If you have a story or something else you would like to share about what Rev. Pat meant to you send it along and we will add it to a tribute page. It is hard to believe it has been over three years.
You will also find a new place called Pit Stop. Here you will find up to date information about breaking news from RWJM or the racing community. If you have something you need to get out there, let me know. I’ll make a point of posting the latest information about what is going on.
We have a few weeks off to collect our thoughts and reflect on the season then it is off to Concord for the John Blewett Memorial North-South Shootout. The information I was getting was positive and it looks like the Turkey Derby is a go. Looks like Howie and I have a road trip in place. I think we might even have the Mailman with us making it a special delivery.
We will se you down the road. If you need us do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to serve you. God Bless.
SOME THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT- Former NASCAR official Donita St.John will be in the hospital this week for some tests. Keep her and the doctors in your prayers.
Also, a crewmember from the Greenfield Dodge/Witt team lost his life while he worked at a Jersey Turnpike construction site, Richard Brady. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and apparel. See them at the Online Apparel Store at www.RWJM.org. Call us with your prayer and counseling needs and list all your prayer needs, no matter what part of our racing family you are in, with the Racing Family Prayer Request Page www.rwjm.org/page/prayers.php also send your prayer request by mail. 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” See our on-line Apparel Store for subscription information. Check our home page www.rwjm.org for past articles. We invite you to input your thoughts as you sign our Guest Book. 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 22
REV. PAT & BETTY EVANS- This would have been the 25th anniversary for Pat and Betty. Please keep Betty in your prayers as this will be a difficult day.
October 24
JIM & PAT BEEBE- The Star Speedway NASCAR flagman and wife have their anniversary.
October 25
DON & MELINDA FOWLER- This Waterford Speedbowl Modified driver and wife have their 36th anniversary.
October 26
KEITH & DEBORAH CYR- The AARN photographer from Danbury, CT and wife share their 11th anniversary.
MR. & MRS. DALE HOLDRIDGE- This senior Waterford Speedbowl driver and wife have their 45th anniversary.
October 27
RAY & PAULA ACKERLY- This Katonah, NY dirt Modified driver and wife celebrate their 17th anniversary.
October 28
JOHN & KATHY TEMCHAK- This NHMS Victory Lane staff member and wife from Canterbury, NH have their 29th anniversary.
JOHN & DONNA HALL- This racing couple of Northeast Connecticut have their 12th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
October 22
TONY VECCHIO- Syracuse, NY Former NASCAR CWES team owner and chassis specialist.
JOHNNY UNSER- Long Beach, Ca born, Sun Valley, ID IRL driver.
MIKE SWANN- Rev. Pat’s cousin from Sumneytwon, PA.
JAYE COTTER- Wife and assistant to No. Attleboro, MA racing paper/magazine sales rep., Paul.
RUTH TAGG- Mom of Webster, MA CT Mod retired driver Tom.
Ocotober 23
TREVA MERRILL- The wife of Newton, MA based Monadnock Speedway (Keene, NH) GM, Carl.
CATHERINE & CHRISTIAN HANKS- The twins of CT ProStock driver Roy and wife Donna.
NATALIE BELMONT- A daughter of Pennsy based ARCA/NNS driver Andy and wife Jennifer.
October 24
TRACY LESLIE- Clemens, MI NNS/ASA driver.
EDDIE DUMBROWSKI- Riverhead Raceway based Rusty Turbush LM crewman.
STEPHANIE PETFIELD- A daughter of Thornwood, NY RWJM CWES Pastor Dan and wife Debbie.
S.J. GOLEMBESKI- crewmwmber for the WMT #99 of Jamie Tomaino.
October 25
WARD BURTON- South Boston, VA returning NNC driver.
BILLY “BEAR” CALLICHO- Meriden, CT top innovator, owner on the Modified TOur.
PAUL TEETER- Ithaca, NY antique car enthusiast.
AMANDA GRAVEL- A daughter of NH ProStock driver Gege and wife Lisa.
JOSHUA BRANDON LAWRENCE- The son of Dino and Chris, proprietors of Carolina Signworks in Rockingham, NC RWJM Counselors turns 10. October 26
SAMMY SWINDELL- WoO Sprint driver.
DEBORAH PETFIELD- RWJM Counselor/ Singer from Thornwood, NY; CWES Pastor Dan’s wife.
BRANDON SETZER- The son of Newton, NC NASCAR CTS driver Dennis and wife Darla is 13.
October 27
DICK TRICKLE- Fan favorite retired Wisconsin based NSC team driver.
NEWT HARTMAN- Flagtown, NJ East Windsor Mod driver.
RAY HEDGER- Williamson, NY Bruce Driver WMT Crew Chief.
MARC OSWALD- Vineland, NJ based “Trackside” Magazine Field Sales Rep.
AMANDA PETFIELD- Thornwood, NY RWJM CWES Pasotr & vice president Dan and wife Debbie’s youngest is 15.
Allan Claffie- East Series Racing web master and Steve Park look alike.
October 28
JOE RUTTMAN- Upland, CA born, Brentwood, TN NASCAR CTS driver.
RICK BELL- Poughkeepsie, NY NASCAR BNS Road Racing specialist with Merit Motorsports.
BILL BRICE, JR.- NASCAR WMT Chief Tech. Inspector and former Wall Township Speedway Sportsman Modified champion from New Jersey.
TOM BALDWIN, JR.- Dad taught him all he knows. The son of Bellport, NY Tiger Tom, Tom is now working with Bill Davis Racing on the NSC series..
JOAN HOFFMAN- Mom of Allentown, PA dirt Mod star, Doug.
ALEXIS MICHEL- The daughter of Wall Township Speedway star Modified driver Dave and wife Kyle is 14.
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