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

MID RACE RECAP

February 20, Tolland, CT--- We’ve gotten to the halfway point of our Winter Bible Study and a good point to recap where we have been. We are traveling down the road that will lead us to a deeper faith in God. We are discussing what faith looks like and how we need to show others who we place our faith in. Who do we trust and who have we placed our faith in? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We have covered four topics so far and it seems like a good time to review. As I followed the events leading up to the Daytona 500 I thought about the first subject we covered, following directions. I am not sure what it is about racers, but at times it seems that the rules are meant for someone else. What are people thinking? It seems winning is more important than integrity. Winning is worthless if it is earned by bending or breaking the rules. James tells us that it doesn’t matter if we know the rules we need to follow them. What good are they if we ignore them and do what we want anyway.  

James 1:22, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 

We need to remember that following God’s Word demonstrates our faith. Think of it this way; You need advice and you ask someone you trust. You receive instructions. You now have a choice. The choice you make will indicate who you put your faith in. We show people we have faith in God when we follow His directions. We show a lack of faith when we decide to follow something else.

The next step in our study taught us about playing favorites.  One thing that is interesting about the relationships we build is that sometimes we form relationships for what we can gain from them. In racing many of the relationship that are formed based on what each party brings to the table. When we form relationships based on what we feel we can gain we show a lack of faith in God’s provision. We think we know what we need and we think we know how to get it. We need to put our faith in God and let Him provide for our needs.  

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 tells us it is a sin to show favoritism. Specifically he told us when we base that decision on what someone has verses what someone doesn’t have we are making a wrong decision. Faith in God means not playing favorites.

As we learned the first steps in our walk of faith we realized that we had some challenges facing us. Showing others that we have faith in God require us to rethink the way we do things.

The next step on our journey leads us to look at what we do and how we act. James tells us that faith is not a passive activity. He tells us that if we claim to have faith we will act like we do. The converse is true, If we don’t demonstrate our faith by our actions than we don’t have true faith.  

James 2:14, 18, What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  

Faith in action would be the theme that guided James life. He wasn’t about to be like the religious leaders he saw, he knew God was more hands on. God wanted to be a part of your daily life. God wanted us to touch the lives of others. When we reach out to others without any other motive than to help we demonstrate our faith on God. When we are tempted to take the easy way out instead of doing the honorable thing our actions will indicate who our faith is in God or man.

I return to the events of the past two weeks. I am disappointed in the actions of people who have said they have faith in God but their actions indicate that may not be true. This is a very important point and don’t lose sight of the fact that our actions speak volumes.

Our next lesson asked us to pay attention to the words that come out of our mouths. We say a lot of things that don’t need to be said. We share our opinion without being asked and without thinking about the impact it will have. James warned us about the words we speak and the affect they will have on others. 

James 3:9-10, With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.  

We need to watch what we say and think before we speak. Why is it that we put our mouth in motion many times before we put our mind in gear? Think before we speak is good advice. It also is good to remember that whoever we speak to is a child of God. God created them and each one has the same value to Him. We need to watch what we say and understand who you are saying it to.

So that covers the mid-study review. We have three lessons to cover to complete our winter study. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or need to get together and talk. Have a great week, God Bless, Rev. Don. 

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD 

Did you notice the add during the Daytona 500 that paid tribute to the short-tracks that are the roots of all racing in America? I am happy that the hometrack, as NASCAR labeled it, is getting some recognition. Not only the drivers of tomorrow come from there but the fans of tomorrow will also come from the hometracks of America.

Speedway Expo on it’s way to revive the glory days of Racearama. I am excited about the plans I am hearing. The show is up to two building with all the interactive events in one building and the racecars in another. Town Fair Tire has signed on as title sponsor and NNC drivers Kenny Wallace and Clint Boyer will make appearances on Saturday. We’ll be there as spectators at this point, but if anyone would like to include one of our pacecars in their display give us a call. Make your plans now to enjoy this traditional appetizer for the upcoming race season.

Looks like Andy Santerre Motorsports is growing. With the announcement of a partnership with DEI and development driver Jeffrey Earnhardt, eyes will be on Andy to continue the success he demonstrated last season. Now he’ll do it with a two car team. We welcome the addition of Kerry’s son and look forward to having them at chapel.

There seems to be a large influx of new teams with connections to the big three into the Grand National Busch East this year. It should be interesting how everything will play out. I will miss the first race at Greenville. After last year I was looking forward to heading back. Dan will be there and I will be at Stafford Motor Speedway for the Spring Sizzler. I won’t be missing any action though, I am sure the action at Stafford will rival the action in South Carolina.

I guess winter is for winter sports and Andy Santerre knows the way to go. He headed north to Caribou and held his annual snowmobile run for charity. The run raised $25,000 for AMHC Sexual Assault Services to help provide rape crisis and support services to women, men and children in Aroostook County. I think it is fantastic when someone uses their name and good fortune to reach out and help others. Good job Andy and supporters.

Not a whole lot else going on this week, relax and enjoy.

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***

            February 21

RYAN & LORA MARKHAM- This Wayne County Speedway based, Ashalnd, Ohio Late Model driver and wife celebrate their 8th anniversary.

            February 27

DENNIS & ELLEN MURRAY- This Mike Weeden LM fans from NH have their 41st. 

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS*** 

            February 21

WAYNE JACKS- Las Vegas, NV NASCAR West driver.

VINCE SUDDARD- Wilmington, DE NASCAR BES/LM driver.

RICHARD JORDAN- Of long-time Kelly Moore NASCAR BES sponsor, Jordan Lumber.

REBECCA RESNER- Daughter of Long Island LM team owner, Richie and wife Melissa.

            February 22

CHUCK BOWN- Oregon semi-retired BGN/NASCAR Truck driver.

PHIL COOK- Hickory,NC Speedway driver.

PEGGY KARBONIC- Wife of Newington, CT Modified driver Bob, forever young.

JONATHAN JORDAN- Of Kelly Moore NASCAR BNS sponsor Jordan Lumber.

FRANK CANNEY- Meriden, CT photographer.

AJ PAPALE- Son of CT based Mod/ProStock driver/crew cheif Tony and wife Jodi is 12.

            February 23

JASON KELLER- Greensville, SC BGN driver.

STEVE SEABURG- New Britain, CT retired Mod driver.

LOIS MATCZAK- Wife of Ellington, CT SuperModified owner Skip.

JIMMY STRUPP- Former Long Islander, now based in Charlotte, NC.

TRACY YOUNG- Canterbury, CT wife of former LM driver Ronnie.

TIMOTHY ZYLA- Son of Shamokin, PA Editor Greg is 17.

            February 24

MICHAEL RITCH- High Point, NC BGN/LMSC driver.

RICK DYKE- Danbury, CT retired ProStock driver.

LOUIS LaFLEUR- Thompson Speedway track crew member.

            February 25

NORM HOLDEN- Seekonk Speedway ProStock driver.

T.J. CLARK- Chandler,AZ NASCAR West driver.

BUTCH GILLILAND- Anaheim, CA NASCAR West driver.

PATTI BETTS- Show horse riding Wife of former Long Island now Salisbury, NC engine builder John.

NESTER Q. KRAMER- Riverhead, NY Billy Pauch fan.

            February 26

GLENN FITZCHARLES- Pottstown, PA URC Sprint driver.

KEN LAVOIE- Massachusetts driver.

ZUNILDA ROCCO- Wife of the world famous Plainville, CT Modified driver "Rocket Ronnie."

ELIZABETH DIAS- Wife of Seekonk Speedway ProStock driver Tony.

            February 27

GARY GOLLUB- Mohnton, PA Mod/Sprint driver.

DENNIS SETZER- Newton, NC BGN/CTS driver.

TODD BODINE- Chemung, NY CTS Champion driver.

GEORGE INGOLE- Lakeland, FL All Pro driver.

TY DILLON- A son of Welcome, NC BGN driver/ Crew Chief Mike and wife Tina is 15, Richard Childress' grandson.

*** IN THE SHOP ***

WALTER "Walt" R. ELLIOTT - Walt, the dad of AARN writer Walter Elliott, took a bad fall recently and broke his ribs. After a visit to the hospital, he is recuperating at home but in considerable pain. Walt, age 73, is a great race fan/dad. A retired instructor with Lincoln Tech and Elizabeth (NJ) High School, he also served as pit steward for the AMSRA Micro-Stock Tour in the early-1990s. Cards of encouragement can be sent to Walt Elliott, 336 Elizabeth St., Orange, NJ 07050.

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