In memory of our very good friend, Rev. Pat Evans

PLAYING FAVORITES

January 23--- Do you have your favorites? We all have things we like more than others, but what happens when we play favorites? We need to realize that everyone has equal value in God’s eyes. When our value system is different from God’s our priorities are out of order. Faith doesn’t discriminate. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Walking around Motorsports last weekend it wasn’t hard to figure out who were the fan’s favorites. On Friday yellow and black were the colors of the day. On Saturday purple and black were the colors of the day. The fans wore the colors of their favorite drivers. They also invested many hours waiting for their favorite drivers autograph.

I remember watching autograph seekers invest an entire day at the track to secure a coveted autograph. For what purpose? I believe we have elevated some of these people to god status. We honor the ground these people walk on more than we honor God. We spend more time pursuing these people instead of pursuing God.

I experienced the frenzy first hand one Sunday afternoon in New Hampshire. I stood there on pit road and talked with a Nextel Cup Driver near the corral that they use to protect them from the fans. We were not in the corral but out in the open available for anyone to walk up to us and ask for an autograph. It didn’t matter, no one really wanted his autograph. I felt sorry for him as other drivers approached smothered by fans. I asked him how that made him feel and he said it was fine with him. Let me add that this driver was also at Motorsports this year and spent time signing autographs for the fans.

I am sure this not only happens in sports but occurs in our day-to-day life also. There are people we favor over others. What happens when we play favorites? We are willing to go the extra mile for those we favor. Those we don’t care for get ignored or what’s left over.

What would have happened if Jesus just gave his life for those He favored and not for everyone? Some would never have a chance. There would be no forgiveness. There would be no sacrifice for their sin. They would have no hope.

Jesus didn’t come and give His life only for some, He came for everyone. That’s the standard He set for us. We should not play favorites. James tells us that after we learn to be obedient we will learn that everyone deserves the mercy and grace of God. James knew we favor some over others, read what he says about it. 

James 2:1-4, My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 

James 2:8-9, If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  

James 2:12-13, Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! 

James points out that we demonstrate our faith in God by living by the golden rule, “love your neighbor as yourself.” Who of us likes being ignored? Who of us likes standing by while others get the attention? We all like to be recognized for who we are and what we can contribute to others. We all want to feel like we have value.

God values each one of us the same. He sent His son to sacrifice His life for each one of us. We do not have the right to decide. When we start to pick and choose who we reach out to we show a lack of faith. God can and will save anyone who calls on Him in Jesus name. Who are we to restrict that access?  

James uses the term mercy. We ask God to have mercy on us, but are we willing to have mercy on others? That will determine whom we have our faith in. Think about that this week, do we have mercy on others? Do we value everyone the same? The second characteristic of faith is faith doesn’t discriminate. Think about those you come in contact with each day. Do you ignore some and seek out others? We need to demonstrate our faith in God by not discriminating. Work on that this week. God Bless, Rev. Don. 

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD 

2007 has already been hard on the racing community. We lost Bobby Hamilton a few weeks ago and this week Benny Parsons went home to be with the Lord after a battle with cancer. Benny was a friend of this ministry and supported the work that Rev. Pat started. He contributed to this ministry and helped when Pat was enduring his battle. Today they are sitting together catching up on things. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Parsons family and the NASCAR community who have grown to love Benny and his antics. The last time I saw Benny, he in his fun loving way teased me about my facial hair and the fact that I didn’t look like a preacher. Thank you Benny for all the fun times you have given us through the years. Save a place for us at the buffet table.

It took me a few days to recover from Motorsports. It was a great show and we enjoyed seeing everyone. This week reflects the challenges of winter. The weather finally turned cold and I think everyone is hibernating in their shops. I am attending the banquets for Thompson Speedway this weekend and I am sure there will be some plans unveiled for next year. Thompson released their schedule and again the big event is Modified Mania 400. All the Modified touring divisions will be competing. It should be the place to be on September 8 & 9.

The Busch East Scene Snowmobile run for Charity is scheduled for next weekend, Feb. 3, in Rangeley, Maine. They should have enough snow to ride but regardless they will go ahead with the event. They will have a charity auction and live entertainment at the Rangeley Inn on Saturday night. Make your plans now to attend.

All the rumors of Stafford and Thompson cutting back the number of WMT races proved to be just that, rumors. The Modifieds continue to be the gem of the schedule for these two tracks.

Dan and I have tossed around the idea of heading south for the first race of the WSMT. Anyone out there thinking of going down? I know Jamie Tomaino will make the trip and he has plans to participate in the next two also. From there he will see how it goes.

Although nothing is confirmed the majority of opinion has the Mods joining the Grand National cars in Irwindale in late October. That leaves no room for a makeup race if the World Series of Racing is postponed at Thompson. We are still waiting to see how that will work out. I would love to see the modifieds on the ½ mile track at Irwindale, I think they would put on an awesome show. We’ll see.

Take some time this week and relax by the fire, recharge those batteries and spend time with your friends and family, racing season will be here soon enough.

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***

            January 28

ROBERT & DONNA DILLNER- On Long Island, the parents of TV's Bobby and Matt have their day.

            January 30

JAMIE & CHERYL TOMAINO- The Howell, NJ driver for the Perth Amboy Spring NASCAR WMT Team/ RWJM Tour Rep. and his best friend wife share their 28th anniversary. 

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS*** 

            January 24

BRETT ROUBINEK- Chicago, IL born, Lakeville, CT occasional Crystal Rock Water NASCAR BES driver and lead sports car driving instructor.

GARY SPENCER- Shickshinny, PA NASCAR BES driver from the famous Berwick, PA racing family.

AUSTIN CAMERON- El Cajon, CA NASCAR West driver.

TINA CAMPBELL- Wife of Busch East Scene editor and organizer of the Annual Busch East Scene Snowmobile Poker Run for Charity, George

JENSEN PICARDL- Riverhead Raceway crewman/ driver.

JEFF SANDT- Gainseville, GA All Pro/ UDTRA photographer and writer.

JAMES CASEY- Seekonk Speedway fan.

ALEXANDRIA TWINEM- The daughter of Brookfield, WI fans Tom and Carita.

            January 25

JOE PLAZEK- Caistor Centre, Ontario D.I.R.T. Modified driver.

DALE QUARTERLY- Westfield, MA BES owner and part-time driver.

BUDDY BAKER- Nextel Cup retired great, now race commentator.

BRIAN BOISSONNEAULT- Windham, CT ProStock team owner with brother Brad as driver.

BRIAN DANKO- Southington, CT famous AARN Modified Series columnist.

LYNDA HEDGER- Wife of NASCAR Nextel Cup Official, Randy.

ROBERT BLAISDELL- Champaign, IL fan.

            January 26

PAUL NEWMAN- Humanitarian actor, driver and team owner whose grocery shelf products profits go to charity.

JOE TIEZZI- Ivoryton, CT retired Mod driver.

CAROL PRATT- Bob's wife/ sister-in-Law of AARN Advertising Manager Joe Pratt and aunt to drivers Ed, Richie and Richie, Jr.

MICHELLE McMECHEN- The wife of Steve and daughter Henry St. John at Jewett City Service.

MICHAEL PARES, JR- The son of "Area Auto Racing News" NASCAR Mod Series photographer Mike and wife Carol.

JONNY KERSLAKE- son of Danbury racer John and a racer in his own right. Happy Birthday John-John.

            January 27

ROB BOUCHARD- Massachusetts ProStock driver.

RIT PATCHEN- Retired Danbury, CT Modified driver.

LEWIS COMPTON- Martinsville Speedway Retired Chief Announcer.

BILL YODER- Glenside, PA fan and EMPA Secretary.

BRIAN T. CUMMINS- New Jersey fan.

CHRIS McMURRAY- Schenectady, NY Eddie Marshall Lebanon Valley friend and fan.

            January 28

DAVID GREEN- Archdale, NC NNC/BGN driver.

JON CLEMENS- Pennsy Hoosier Tire dealer.

JUSTIN BOSS- Son of CT Strictly Stock/ LM driver Glen is 17.

            January 29

SUE SANTERRE- Wife of four-time BES Champion and now BES Carowner Andy and his favorite PR agent.

TOMMY HOUSTON- Hickory, NC retired BGN driver.

RICK KARPEUK- PA asphalt Mod driver.

JEFF DAVIS- Anaheim Hills, CA NASCAR West driver.

PATRICK REYNOLDS- New Milford, CR ProCup driver.

LUKE DAMIANI- One of Andy's sons of Woxall, PA and 1/4 Midget driver is 17.

SCOTT BACHAND- Williston, VT NASCAR BES team owner/driver.

TOM HOWARD- Waterford Speedbowl faithful.

RICKY TODD- Captain Video of Riverhead Raceway.

NICK CAPPAZOLA- Crew Chief for the Riverhead Rusty Turbush LM team.

WALT STUBBS- Blairstwon, NJ Modified AARN columnist.

LAURIE O'DONNELL- Orrinton, ME Dave Dion NASCAR BES fan.

            January 30

LLOYD GILLIE- East Holden, ME LM driver.

RICK GIANNINO- LI based LM driver.

BOB McKEE- New Jersey based NASCAR BES Crew Chief.

BUTCH KALBA- Riverhead Rusty Turbush LM crewman.

GERRY FILLIMON- Old Bridge, NJ noted photographer who along with brother John, make up the famous "Fillimon Brothers Racing Films and Videos."  

*** IN THE SHOP ***

GREG- who had suffered with an aneurysm, 2 strokes and heart attack 1 ½ years ago had a heart catheterization done this past Tuesday and they discovered that three major arteries are clogged. His heart muscle is also only functioning at 40%. He is going to have three angioplasties and 3 stints inserted over the course of next two weeks. Please keep him in your prayers.

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