This section contains the Racing With Jesus Ministries Weekly Message, published every Thursday. At the Third Turn, we acknowledge that many different readers will come from many different faiths. However, the idea of faith has been integral to so many drivers, teams, pit members, and fans' lives that our site would like to include the uplifting message that the RWJ Ministries team brings.
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I don’t get mad, I get even! I know some folks who live that way, are you one of them? We want the right to get back at those who harm us. We want to see them get what we think they deserve. Many times we want to be the one inflicting the justice. What do you think Christ would say? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Getting even, claiming our rights, making sure we are treated fairly are all things each one of us expect. Our country was built on the premise that we each have certain unalienable rights. When we are mistreated or taken advantage of we want justice.
What is justice? We want it for others but for us we prefer forgiveness. I remember a meeting I had once between a veteran and a young driver. The young driver was brash and bold. He drove his race car without regard for the other competitors. This veteran was on the receiving end of one of these acts of defiance. It could have cost him his life.
By all accounts the veteran could have done many things to that young driver and be totally justified. Instead there was a tone of forgiveness in his voice. He talked calmly to the young man. He explained how in his early days he drove the same way. When someone drove him hard he would respond harder. He didn’t care who it was. He shared how one day he intentional crashed someone and they got hurt. He shared how difficult it was to go and tell the family what he had done. From that day on he lived and raced with a different agenda.
He said to the young driver that in his younger days he would have done the same thing but now knowing what he knows, he responds differently. He told the young man he was forgiven and encouraged him to change the way he drove because he didn’t want him to have to go through what he did.
Sometimes we want revenge when we should show compassion. Listen to what Christ has to say about it;
Matthew 5:38-42; "You have heard that it was said, `Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Turn the other cheek, this is where it originated. Jesus gave us that instruction when we are faced with the prospect of getting even. This is a very difficult instruction for us to deal with because it puts the control out of our hands. We want to decide what judgment is exercised against those who mistreat us.
If you have been following these past few weeks you will notice a consistent theme, let go and let God. You see Jesus wants us to realize that we need to turn it over to God. He wants to release us of the burden of trying to control things. Some of us are control freaks and we need to be in control of everything. Jesus wants us to relinquish control to him and live free of that burden.
If you don’t think it is a burden try releasing it. Let the day come to you. Don’t try to control things just let them happen. Let the other guy go first. Let someone cut in front of you. If you begin to get uncomfortable then you are a control freak. It is a burden.
Don’t repay evil with evil, turn the other cheek. Do the unexpected, don’t get even. Try it out this week and see if things don’t turn out different. They will and you will be released from your desire to control things.
ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS- We lost the Patriarch of Fadden Racing this past week. Stanley “Stub” Fadden went home to be with the Lord after a long battle with illness. Stub was a legend in Northeast racing circles as the line at the wake proved. I made the trip up to New Hampshire with Howie and Mary Hodge. It was a great time to reminisce.
I remember the first time I heard his name. We were at the Motorsports show and had some memorabilia that was signed to sell to raise money for the ministry. One was a hat signed by Stub Fadden. I asked Rev. Pat who that was. He shared who Stub was and how he affected those who raced in the Northeast. It didn’t sink in until I had the chance to meet him in person.
I remember the first time I met Stub, it was Thunder Road and the then Busch North Series was in town for what would prove to be the last time. The Little Trees team had a backup car available and Stub was going to qualify it to fill out the field. I remember standing next to him as he pointed to his unique driving shoes; penny loafers. He proclaimed, “Do you know why I wear these? You don’t have to bend down and tie them.” He captured everyone’s attention and it was easy to see why he was so popular.
Stub did qualify and started the race. The plan was to run a few laps and bring it in. Two things worked against that plan; one, Stub had a good car and he knew it. Two, when you put a racecar driver in a race seat and tell him to race it is awful hard for him to stop. Most times when you run a backup car, the driver understands his role. Stub, being the founder of the race team, had that working to his advantage and was not going to face any criticism for not following the plan. He stayed out, finished the race and brought home a top ten; ninth place I believe. When asked he simply said, “As I drove around I said to myself, ’I can win this thing.’” And win he almost did.
I remember the night the Busch East Series crowned their first Champion, an old friend with a long history of supporting NASCAR full-bodied racing in the Northeast. Mike Olsen returned to the top spot for the second time, but the first in the newly named series. One thing that holds true in life and racing is that someone helped make us who we are. In victory lane at Lime Rock Park that sight was not truer as we saw Stub Fadden, Mike’s grandfather, join him in celebrating the title. Stub has been in the racing game for many years and his influence and guidance made Mike the racer and man he is today.
There was a tremendous amount of history seated next to Mike on that victory platform and a lesson there for each of us to remember. We did not get to where we are in life alone. Someone came before us and paved the way. Remember those and honor them for what they gave to us. Life is fragile and we need to remember how our actions affect others. We need to remember that everything we do has an effect not only on those around us but also on those who follow us for years to come.
We are going to miss him, but his influence and the stories will remain in our hearts and memories. Rest in peace, friend.
PRAYER NEEDS- Boots Tomaino needs our prayers as she recovers from knee replacement surgery. Please keep her rehab in your 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
March 19
HAROLD & CINDY BURDICK- This Stafford Speedway announcing team member and wife have thier 24th anniversary.
March 20 DAN & LYNN POZZUTO- The VP of Operations for the Saxonburg, PA Ed Ferree corporations including Frankland Racing Supply rears and Clincher Gears and wife Office manager for Frankland celebrate their 31st anniversary.
March 21 JACK & BETTY DENNIS- These Appomattax, VA Jamie Tomaino fans and parents of JT fan Laura make it 49 years.
March 22 ALAN & JEANN COULL- The Norwich, CT race car paint graphics designer and nurse wife celebrate their 38th. JIM & BERNICE GOLEMBESKI- The brother of Steve, Wall Stadium's winningest Sportsman Modified driver, and wife have their day.
March 24 DAVE & KYLE MICHEL- This Wall Stadium Modified stand-out and wife share their 17th lap together.
March 18
ROGER LAURENO- Ivyland,PA multi-time Bridgeport(NJ) Speedway dirt Modified champion.
March 19 BILL SEDGEWICK- Acton, MA NASCAR Truck team owner, neighbor of RWJM Counselor Gary Dionne. TONY TOSTE- Pismo Beach, CA NASCAR West driver. HARRY RICE- Retired Waterford Speedbowl Mod driver. RICK CERAVOLO- Crew Chief for the Dick Ceravolo owned CT Modified to be driven at Thompson by brother Todd. FREIDA MAGLIO- Scranton, PA fan, Sal's wife. ELLEN DAVIS- Girl friend/crew member of Bob "Mad Dog" Barker Garden State Stock Car Club, Staten Islamd, NY
March 20 MARTY MEMBRINO- Waterbury, CT ProStock driver. TOM FERN- Westport, CT LM driver; police officer.
March 21 ROBERT HUFFMAN- NC Dash Series driver. KENNY BRACK- Karlstadt, Sweden IRL driver. RICKY MILLER- Claremont, NH ProStock/NASCAR CWES driver. DAVE & MIKE KIMBALL- These brothers are both Oxford Plains (ME) Speedway drivers. LARRY McCLURE- NSCs team owner.
March 22 EDDIE BELLINGER- ISMA SuperModified driver from NY. MIKE CASTERLINE- Tioga/Chemung Speedway driver. BILLY HAGAN- NSCS team owner. JEFF GADA- Of the famous Niantic, CT racing family. SHIRLEY DENSIESKI- Wife of Riverhead Raceway's Sonny and mom of Riverhead Modified driver Ed. MIKE GEER- Waterford Speedbowl announcing team member.
March 23 WILLIAM ALLEN- Crewman on the Jim Hawkes Wall Township Speedway Mod.
March 24 MARTIN TRUEX- Mayetta, NJ NASCAR CWES former driver now biggest fan of his son's efforts with the DEI. SCOTT PRUETT- IMSA/IRL driver. ROGER MEARS- Bakersfield, CA NASCAR Truck Series driver. JIMMY MAKAR- NSCS Crew Chief. CHRIS WOODS- Mass. native, now a driver at Concord Motorsports Park. KENNY VANASSE- Son of Pensacola, FL fans Keith and Debbie Krodel. HEATHER AUBE- Daughter of Charlotte, VT NASCAR CWES driver CWWS crew cheif Jamie and wife Paula is 14.
STANLEY “STUB” FADDEN – Stub went home to be with the Lord on March 11, 2009. He was the patriarch of Fadden Racing and raced throughout the Northeast for six decades running his last a few years ago at Thunderroad in Barre Vermont. Stub ran many races in his life and touched the hearts of many. One of his greatest joys was racing with his grandson, Two-time CWES Champion Mike Olsen. He also loved going to the track and cheering on his other children and grandchildren. Stub had a tremendous influence in the racing careers of so many drivers. We will miss that smiling face greeting us when we return to the pits.
Sympathy cards can be directed to his wife Charlotte Fadden, at P.O. Box 427, North Haverhill, N.H. 03774.
Have you ever felt out of control? In life we strive to have a handle on things, get a grip. How does God fit into the control we want to have on our lives? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In racing we are not quick to reveal everything. Think about the interview with a driver or crewchief after practice. It may go something like this; “the car is good, but we can still get a little more out of it.” Then ask the other competitors who has a fast car and they will tell you straight out, “so and so has the car to watch.” The art of playing the racing game, don't let them know what you have until you need to.
This sort of thinking showed up in a tech inspection infraction against a team last year. It appeared that the Toyotas were generating a tremendous amount of horsepower and NASCAR wanted to dyno their engines against the other competitors. Without notice they announced during the race that they were going to pull several cars after the race and dyno the engines right in the car. This, they felt would give them an actual indication of what the engines produced in race trim. They needed to do it this way because if they announced it and gave the teams notice they would not be assured that no gamesmanship was taking place.
One team thought of a way around it and put a spacer behind the gas pedal to prevent the engine from turning max rpms. They got caught and fined. This just reveals to us the great lengths we will go to control the outcome of a situation. Even the threat of penalty doesn't deter us from trying to control the outcome.
Words that have become popular today include, spin doctor, damage control and the like. All created and practiced to control what others hear and think about a situation. They all fall into the category that our passage talks about today. We say things we don't mean, swear to them, invoke God's name all in an effort to convince others to do it our way. Look at this section of verses out of the passage we read last week.
Matthew 5:33-37: "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your `Yes' be `Yes,' and your `No,' `No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Manipulating others is a harsh concept for us to admit, but it is something that we all engage in. There a
very few truly honest people in this world. When we see one, we call them stupid. Why? Because they are vulnerable and they don't play the game of manipulating their words to please or protect.
Have you seen the movie Forrest Gump? Do you know what made him special? He was truly honest. His yes meant yes and his no meant no. When he had something to say he said it; he wasn't what we would refer to as tactful. Look and sounds so strange to us doesn't it.
How about us? Have we fallen into the trap of making commitments and promises that we can't keep. Why is it that we think we can control the events of our life to the point that we commit to do so to others? Look at what Jesus says in this verse, “you cannot even make one hair white or black”. Actually I think we can make them gray by worrying about too many things, but I digress. We really do not realize how little control we have in our lives.
Jesus councils us to simplify things, less is more. Say yes when the answer is yes and no when the answer is no. Don't spend time thinking it through and trying to over think things. When we do that we end up making promises that we cannot keep. Worse yet we have to think up another way to cover for the things we didn't do.
In sports, gamesmanship is part of the deal. We reveal things in a way as to keep others thinking and guessing, keeping the competition off balance. Don't let that become a lifestyle. We can get so caught up in manipulation, control and orchestrating events that our lives spin out of control. We don't know what is real and what is fabricated. The burden becomes overwhelming. Jesus wants to remove that burden.
Take steps this week not to embellish the truth, just speak as truthfully as you can. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Turn to Jesus for help in that. Your life will be simpler and your mind won't be clogged up with trying to remember who you told what. Remember God's promise;
Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Have a great week, remember to keep things simple. Next week we'll talk about retribution and getting even. The week after that we'll look at how we treat those we don't care much for. That will close out our Winter Bible Study and we will look toward Easter, the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Have a great week, God's continued blessing.
WINTERNATIONALS MORE LIKE SUMMERNATIONALS- Dan and I made the quick trip down to Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, NC at the invitation of Charles Kepley. Charles is the force behind the John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout at Concord Motorsports Park in November and he is trying to put together an event to start the season like the Shootout closes the season. We were excited to be a part of something new for Modified racers.
Orange County is a fantastic facility, wide, banking, several racing grooves, fast, the list goes on. The racing was some of the best we have seen in a long time. Absent was the foolishness of impatience. The race had just three cautions for minor spinouts and only one tow truck call. In the end patience ruled the day. Ronnie Silk, Matt Hirschman and Charlie Pasteryak ran in the top three for most of the race with George Brunnhoelzl III running with them. Side by side, bumping, rubbing, close-quarter racing that made the Mods famous. As we approached the last several laps you could see the tires go away and the top three looked as though they were hanging on till the end when Matt Hirschman found a little left in the tank. He caught and passed Ronnie and took home the checkers followed by Ronnie and Charlie. The North ruled this one but I am sure if we meet again next year the southern guys might have something to say.
Part of the challenge of this weekend was that we couldn't be two places at one time. We made a commitment to Charles to support his event and needed to fulfill that even though it meant missing the indoor event at Providence. It would have been easier to stay home and head to Providence but as our passage said this week our yes needed to be yes.
NEW FRIENDS- While we met with many old friends in NC we also made new ones. One of the folks we had the pleasure of getting to know this weekend was Eric Peterman of RPM Outreach. Eric is the Chaplain for the ASA Southern Modified Race Tour. He came on board with them this year and is excited about the opportunities of ministering to the ASA family. We are looking forward to seeing him along the road. It is great to add another member to the community of ministers that have a heart to reach racers. Please keep Eric and the ASA tour in your prayers.
OLD FRIENDS- We had the pleasure of spending some time with the Dilner's as Meagan was racing in the ProCup series on the under card of the event. In addition to that Jerry Babb and Melanie were along for the ride as hauler driver and chef. We enjoyed some good food, good friends and good racing. I am always amazed at how God prepares the way for us. God is Good, All the Time!
NO COOKIES- On a sad front when we arrived at Orange County we met many of our northern friends including our favorite cookie baker from New York State. I am sad to say that she was cookieless. We had to endure an entire race without the benefit of her chocolate chip cookies. The Icebreaker is a few short weeks away and I am assured there will be cookies there. Nothing goes better with the sound of a modified than chocolate chip cookies.
PRAYER REQUEST- I was talking with Randy LaJoie at Orange County and he asked if we could lift his family up in prayer. They are facing some challenges in the days and weeks to come and need the prayer support of the racing family. Pray that God would surround them with His grace and mercy as they face these challenges.
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
March 11 JOSEPH AND ALICE FERGUSON- The proprietor of Ferguson Painting and Decorating and wife; fans from Howard, PA celebrate their 33rd anniversary.
March 14 MARK & AUDREY MOCKOVAC- The Danbury, CT based True Value Modified Series Media Coordiantor and wife/ Claremont Modified driver (Audrey Stevens) share their 12th anniversary.
March 17 JEFF & JENNIFER ZUIDEMA- The North Brookfield, MA ProStock driver and wife share their 19th anniversary. ERIC & CHERIE BEERS- The Northampton, PA Flemington and WMT driver and wife have their 17th anniversary.
March 11 JOE GOSEK- NY based ISMA SuperModified driver. HAL GOODSON- Darlington, SC All Pro driver. BRIAN CRUNDEN- Connecticut ProStock driver. DAVE BURNHAM- CT based LM driver. VALARIE LeSIEUR- Daughter of former Speedway Scene Publisher, Val. DAN BURY- Upstate NY photographer. JOHN LANE- A son of NJ photographer Ace. CAROL PARES- Wife of "Area Auto Racing News" NASCAR Mod Series photographer Mike of Wayne, NJ.
March 12 BOB HABERSTICK- Wall Township Speedway driver. TODD MASSEY- Haw River, NC LMSC driver.
March 13 GREG COVERDALE- Milford, DE URC Sprint driver. JEFF SPRAKER- Latham, NY NASCAR NASCAR/ARCA Owner. LYN ST. JAMES- Willoughby, OH born, now Daytona Beach, FL IRL driver. SCOTT BONNEY- Lee Speedway (NH) LM driver. RANDY KANE- Selinsgrove and Clinton County Pit Steward. JASON KOHLER- Fleetwood, PA MicroSprint driver. CRYSTAL SANSEVERINO- A daughter of Hillsborough, NC photographer Ed and wife Linda.
March 14 JACK BATEMEN- NH True Value Modified Promotor/driver/team owner. PAT PUNCH- In Newton, NC, the wife of Brewco NNS Team manager, Dennis, who is the brother of TV's Dr. Jerry. ERIN & KARRI LARSEN- The twin daughters of NASCAR Mod Tour official Joe are 17.
March 15 DEVIN HILTS- Brushton,NY go-kart driver. PAT D'ANTONIO- Tuscon,AZ NASCAR West driver. ROBBY PAGE- A new quarter midget driver turnes 8.
March 16 ED FERREE- Pennsylvania Motor Speedway multi-time dirt big block LM champion, proprietor of Frankland Racing Supply racing rears and Clincher Gears. JERRY CRANMER- Semi-retired NJ asphalt Modified and ARCA driver. SHERRY BLAKELY- San Antonio, TX driver. DAN MESERVEY- Chatham, MA Mini Modified driver, dad of Mod/NASCAR CWES drivers Dan, Jr. and Doug. BOB CASAGRANDE- Riverhead Raceway Blunderbust driver. KATRINA SPENCER- Daughter of former NSC driver Jim and wife Pat is 21. BRANDON LEHMAN- A grown-up son of AARN columnist "Doc" from Smithville, OH.
March 17 DAVID BLAIN- No. Grosvenordale, CT LM driver. KATHY ATTAYA- Wife of Tim, Producers of the Augusta, ME annual Motorsports show.
Thanks for allowing me to take some time off last week. We have hit the home stretch, four weeks left until the Icebreaker! We have one more section of Scripture to cover in these next few weeks and I think it will change the way we look at things. Have you ever noticed that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? Until you go over there and realize that it is artificial turf! Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Changing dance partners is a phrase we hear in racing when things are not going the way we expected. We switch things around to see if we can find the right combination of people to make the team work. Sometimes this change is peaceful and sometimes there are hard feelings. How is it that something that seemed so right at one point now is all wrong? I think it has to do with human nature, our unwillingness to see things from a different perspective. The teams that are successful are also the most flexible.
Have you ever noticed that some teams are surrounded by change and others stay pretty consistent? In my observation the teams that are the most stable tend to perform the best. The ones that are always changing and do not have some sort of foundation to hold them do not. You can look across the sporting world and you can see teams that are successful when the leadership is consistent and when the leader is changing every other week the performance is lacking.
I am a UCONN fan and the secret to the success of UCONN Athletics is due to the stability of the leadership; coaches that are here for the long run. Yes, we have had our ups and downs but the fact remains the university has fundamentally changed for the good in a large part due to this fact.
I look at race teams and the ones that are consistent performers are the ones that are less likely to change personnel every year. They have a stability and purpose. Jesus helps us understand that we are too quick to change dance partners in life. Whether it be in marriage, friendships or even acquaintances we switch instead of putting forth the effort to build.
For the next four weeks we are going to delve into this last section of The Sermon on the Mount to close out our Winter Bible Study. It is a pretty sweeping realignment of the way we tend to see things so stick with me and we will tackle it together.
Matthew 5:31-6:4, "It has been said, `Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.
"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your `Yes' be `Yes,' and your`No,' `No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
"You have heard that it was said, `Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
"You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
"Be careful not to do your `acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Looking closely at this passage you can see that it covers the way we need to deal with the relationships of life. It starts with the most significant one and goes from there. We will spend some time looking at each of them.
Two weeks ago we talked about marriage and the significance of that relationship in God’s eyes. In society today the marriage relationship has become one of convenience. The term irreconcilable differences has grown to mean we just do not want to try. Jesus said there is only one reason to get divorced, marital unfaithfulness, anything else is adultery. In view of what we see around us how can we deal with such a high standard? First remember that God’s standard is the highest and the best. If we can live our lives by God’s standard then we will live the best life possible. Knowing that we shouldn’t enter into the marriage relationship lightly, we should view it like God does, til death do we part. Jesus says here the only excuse is when the trust is gone, when one or both violate the trust that marriage is built on, unfaithfulness.
We get into the area of permission and forgiveness here. How many of us have thought to ask God what he thought we should do as it relates to marriage? Did we take the time to ask for His direction and guidance before we entered into the most significant relationship we could have?
Life being what it is we all make choices that do not please God, choices that He would rather we didn’t make. With those choices come the consequences of living our lives differently than God would want. We cannot go back and remove them, but we can move forward from here and seek God’s direction in the future. The process of getting things back in line is available from God in the form of forgiveness.
We first have to admit our mistakes and take responsibility for them, they were our choices not someone else’s. We then have to go before God’s throne and seek His forgiveness. Once requested we are forgiven and now we can move forward in our lives recommitted to following God’s direction. We can because of the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins on the cross. We have hope even when we make the wrong choice. That hope is Jesus Christ.
As we start down this road of getting the relationships in our life in line with God I think a good place to start is at the feet of God’s throne. Take some time this week and sit there. Open your heart and ask his forgiveness. Receive it and start life anew, restored and useful to God.
Matthew 6: 7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
SPEEDWAY EXPO- Spent the weekend in West Springfield, MA at Speedway Expo. It was great to catch up with friends and see what everyone is planning for the race season. I hung out with the Race Depot bunch. The show was a little down from last year as one might expect with the economy. Some folks had a great show while others were pleased considering the state of things. No matter what the size this is a right of spring, the kickoff to the racing season and a necessity for all of us with cabin fever. Get the ice picks out and let’s get ready to break some ice!
HARDCORE RACING SHOW RETURNS- For those who think PRI has gone soft and really don’t think Orlando has anything to offer hardcore racers the wait is over. IMIS Indy has been launched. Make your plans now to be in Indy on December 2-3 for a hardcore racing industry show. I have never been to Indy but I have this on my calendar as a must see.
ACCESSIBILITY RACING- From the guys who put together a race car with hand controls comes a game controller for the disabled drivers. Made to mimic the hand controls they would use to drive their vehicles they can now enjoy the fun of sim racing. Rick Riduca was last seen so involved with the game that he forgot to go home. If you get a chance ask the boys from Hinchman about the calzone they had delivered. They had enough to share with the whole aisle!
FROSTBITE – Watching the snow fall in North Carolina make me wonder if it will clear enough for next weekend. They may get frostbite out there clearing the roads. I saw them plowing with a road grader. If it melts we’ll be there, if not we’ll go next week. I am looking forward to seeing some live racing action.
PROVIDENCE- If you can’t make it down to the snowy south then head to the Dunk and take in the indoor racing show. TC and Steffy headline at the a who’s who on TQ Midget racing. Get out there and support this event and they might be able to expand to other cities in the Northeast. Look for changes to be announced to the dates of Motorsports 2010 and the indoor racing at the Boardwalk Hotel. It looks like a trip to Tulsa for some chili might be possible this winter.
Brother Bob asked if we could reach out to John McHale who went through an operation and is in need of some encouragement. John used to race PRO 4 and wished RWJM was around when he raced. Please take the time to let John you are thinking of him. Cards will reach him at 35 Maple St. Waretown, NJ. 08758
I am looking forward as I am sure you are to the upcoming season. It has the potential to be a great one if those who truly love racing will go out and support their local track. Let’s let our voice be heard loud and clear, we want racing in our backyard!
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
March 4 VIC & SANDY KANGAS- The WC/BGN Crew Chief and wife have their 46th.
March 6 WARREN & ROSE FRYE- "Jeep" is a well-known team owner of the Bunky Higbee No. 26. He and wife Rose share their 58th anniversay down in Delaware. ROY & DONNA HANKS- This Somers, CT LM driver and wife share their 32nd anniversary.
March 8 JAMES & KATIE STANDLEY- This dedicated Christian couple are the proprietors of Design 500 and Lady Eagle Safetywear in Seattle, WA, racing's leading uniform and team wear maker. Visit them at www.design500.com as they celebrate their 17th. BARRY & KIM BABB- This Maine LM driver and wife have their 21st.
March 4 RICK MAST- Virginia NNC retired driver. GARY MYERS- NC Modified driver. BILL GREENE- Ellington, CT crewman of the Bobby Georgiades CT Modified team. NANCY LaBONNE- East Hartford, CT wife of Stafford LM crewman Rich Caouette.
March 5 GARY DIONNE- Former Dave Dion NASCAR CWES crewman, now Acton, CA movie stunt car driver and RWJM West Coast Coordinator. PAUL CLAPROOD- 2000 Championship NASCAR WMT Co-Crew Chief now in NC with the Ganassi/Sabco NNC team in final assembly. RON HEDGER- NY based NSS writer. PHIL BARIL, JR.- Son of NH LM driver, Phil, Sr. LUKE WILLIAM BOEHLER- This future team owner is the son of BRE Racing FMS Team owner Mike and Sarah and turns 5.
March 6 PAT WARD- NY D.I.R.T. Fonda Speedway Modified driver. JACK ELY,JR.- NJ asphalt Mod driver. RONNIE THOMAS- Christiansburg, VA LMSC driver. BETTY FEARN- Spending the winter in Florida with husband Dick, the mom of ProStock driver Tom from Feeding Hills, MA. JASLYN WILLIAMS- Wife of Carson City, NV Midget driver J.R. LINDA TAGG- Wife of Webster, MA retired Thompson Speedway Mod driver Tom. JACOB CHRISTOPHER MANIX- Judy's son and nephew of Plainville, CT twin drivers Ted and Mike Christopher is 12.
March 7 JEFF WITHEY- From Clifton Park, NY, Jeff writes about Fonda, NY Speedway for "Area Auto Racing News." RYAN DALE HUNSINGER- Son of dirt late model and IMCA modified driver Ricky Hunsinger and wife Nakeisha. He is also the little brother of AJ Hunsinger mini stock driver, based in Northeastern PA, will be turning 6.
March 8 KIRK SHELMERDINE- Welcome,NC ARCA/NASCAR driver; NSC/NNS Crew Chief. DONALD J. WORTH- NJ loyal fan of retired Wall Township Speedway Modified great, Gil Hearn and NNC's Jeff Gordon.
March 9 CRAIG KEEL- WoO Sprint driver. WARREN FRYE- "Jeep" is the Delaware based owner of the Bunky Higbee No. 26, rememberd for multiple feature wins.
March 10 MIKE WALLACE- The driving middle brother of the famous racing Wallace's with Kenny and Rusty. DEAN CHRYSTAL- Milford, ME NASCAR CWES driver/ Graphics specialist. ALFRED HILL- NC Modified driver. MATT EMHOFF- York, Maine. He is a member of Ken and Art Barry's crew on the 21 Spearpoint Racing team. RAQUEL RIOLO- Daughter of Stafford LM driver Joe and wife Brenda is 12.
BILL FINNEGAN- On Saturday mornings, when the Wall Stadium runs, they have a Green flag driving experience, were people can take rides in either a 3/4 midget, legends car or a modified. An old gentleman came by to drive a racecar. He said he has been a fan at Wall for many years and wanted to drive a racecar. We talked and I told him of the ministry and he was pleased that I did that for the drivers. He went to church, when his health would allow it and knew the power of God. He wanted to drive a modified that day, about 2 years ago, because he had cancer and was feeling good, at the time and knew he could handle it. Well, the mod wasn't there that day so he drove a TQ. He had a great time and said he would be back in '08, to drive the modified. We stayed in touch, to pray for his health. Last week I called to tell him the track would be open and the driving experience would run also. He was glad to finally get the chance to drive the mod. Monday his wife Barbara called me to tell me Bill had passed away. She said Bill wanted to make sure she called "his chaplain buddy" from the track if anything were to happen to him. She said Bill was pleased with the way I dealt with him and was glad for the ministry that was at the track. She gave me her address and asked if I would pass it along to you. Cards of sympathy can reach Barbara Finnegan at 94 Rumson Road Little Silver N.J.07739.
I was a little under the weather this week and am taking the opportunity to have Rev. Dan share some thoughts with you. We’ll get back to our Study next week. For this week take some time and listen to Rev. Dan.
Did something ever good happen to you that you never expected? Did you ever receive something that you never asked for? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Not too long ago, I purchased a used car from a dealer. I had some trouble with it while it was still under warranty so I drove it back to get fixed. I couldn't believe that they had it for over 4 weeks - it's a good thing that this dealership had free loaner cars available. When it was done, I picked it up and drove it home - but to my dismay, the problem was still there. They tried a number of times to fix it, but couldn't. After the third time that I took it back to them, the salesman said they would buy it back and I could purchase a different car. I did and was completely satisfied. A few months later, I received a check in the mail for $500 from the dealer - just to say sorry for the problem that I had with the first car. I never asked for it or expected it, but it came.
Bonus deals give you more than you expect or deserve. Sometimes at gas stations you get a free car wash with a fill-up, or some restaurants give you free refills on your soft drinks. It kind of makes you feel better to get something extra. In racing, most of the time we don't win, but sometimes we get contingency money for using certain stickers on our car. Sometimes we get the move of the race award, or the highest finishing rookie or... well you see, the list can go on and on. You get something extra even though you didn't win.
This is like the help of the Holy Spirit. When we ask Jesus into our hearts we get to go to heaven. We also get something extra when we make that choice - a Bonus Deal - God gives us the Holy Spirit to live within us.
Acts 2:38 says "Peter replied, each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
What is the Holy Spirit going to do for us? The Holy Spirit instructs us, helps us make decisions, tells us what is right and what it wrong, helps us understand the Bible when we read it and comforts us when needed. Without the Holy Spirit, we couldn't make good judgment calls. As it says in;
1 Corinthians 2:14-15 "But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's spirit, It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. "
This is sort of like when you are first getting involved in racing and you have to build or buy a car - but you don't understand the rule book. The smartest thing to do is to get someone with experience to help you. This person will help guide you in your decisions. When you become a Christian, you have a personal tutor to help you understand the Bible.
The Holy Spirit is a part of God - imagine that - having a piece of God living within us! He speaks to us, searches our hearts, knows our thoughts and teaches us. He gives us strength to stand firm in our faith and to share it. He helps bring us closer to God and guides us to live the way that God wants us to live. He comforts us, helps us through trials and gives us wisdom. But the most important thing that the Holy Spirit does is to give us the opportunity to receive salvation. The Holy Spirit is the bonus deal in the plan of salvation. We should thank God for what this means to us. If you have already received Christ as your savior - use your bonus deal. If you haven't yet, maybe this will give you a little incentive! Have a great week and may God bless each of you.
GIVE AND TAKE? You hear it all the time but it didn’t take long for the patience to wear thin. Why is it that we all know you cannot win the race on the first lap but we don’t factor that into our decision making process on the track? In the first few races already this year and on several occasions impatience was the rule of the day. So much racing left only to end up in a heap because someone wouldn’t cut some slack to someone else.
I will bang the drum one more time; to be in the hunt for the win you have to be running at the end. None of the cars that end up on the hook have a chance of winning. I am sure one of these days we will see someone lift to avoid turning the field into a parking lot.
I was impressed with what I heard from Ricky Carmichael as his goal for the truck race in California. He is a rookie in the series driving for KHR. He said he wanted to be patient and learn. He wanted to make sure he finished the race.
It worked well for him, he finished in the top ten in eighth. I have had the pleasure of talking with Ricky and talked with him about the change from two wheels to four. You might think that with the number of championships he has on two wheels that it might make him impatient to get to victory lane. Quite the opposite, he is willing to be patient and learn. He is a fast learner and I don’t think it will be long before he visits victory lane.
DID YOU NOTICE? In the first race of the year, The Budweiser Shootout, NASCAR tested a new start after yellow; doublefile. Many of us familiar with the Camping World and Whelen tour are used to the doublefile, but the big three have shied away from using the fan favorite way to restart the race after a yellow flag. I for one was pleased to see it and I hope it will be instituted soon. I think this will improve the product for the racing fans out there.
DAKOTA C. GALUSHA MEMORIAL FUND- Dakota was the 12 year old nephew of Eric and Cherie Beers who passed away in an accident in January. They are having a Basketball Tournament to support his memorial fund. The First Annual Basketball Tournament will be held March 27th, 28th & 29th, 2009. Go to http://www.thechromehorn.com/news/2009/news/news022009.pdf for more information.
In addition please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
HEADING SOUTH- The Bristol test is this week and will include three Northern Modifieds; TC, Todd Szegedy and Ronnie Silk. It will be interesting to see what kind of adjustments will need to be made to the chassis of these ground pounders in order to run the high banks of BMS. Next week is the Frostbite Modified Winter National at Orange County Speedway. Charles asked if we could make the trip in support of the event and we will be headed down. It will be great to see the Modifieds run and if this is anything like the North South Shootout I am looking forward to some great racing.
SPEEDWAY EXPO THIS WEEK- Racing moves to center stage in New England this week as the grounds of the Eastern States Complex roar to life with the annual right of spring. I’ll be there helping out our friends from Design 500 and Race Depot. I’ll have time to wander around a little and I am sure our paths will cross. If you were wondering what to do for chapel service on Sunday morning I invite you to join me at Emmanuel Baptist Church in West Springfield, about 2 miles from the Big E. I have been filling in there since the passing of Rev. Rick. Service is at 10:00 a.m. and you can be at the show before 11:15.
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
February 27 DENNIS & ELLEN MURRAY- These Mike Weeden LM fans from NH have their 43rd.
March 2 BILL & SUZANNE STIVASON- These fans from Kittinang, PA share their 18th anniversary.
March 3 TIM & BRENDA STEELE- The Coopersville, MI ARCA top driver and wife share their 16th anniversary.
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 NNS/CWTS driver. TODD BODINE- Chemung, NY CWTS Champion driver. GEORGE INGOLE- Lakeland, FL All Pro driver. TY DILLON- A son of Welcome, NC NNS driver/ Crew Chief Mike and wife Tina is 17, Richard Childress' grandson.
February 28 MARIO ANDRETTI- This Nazareth, PA World Class retired driver really does think he's Mario Andretti. JAY HEDGECOCK- High Point, NC NSC fabricator and LMSC builder; Modified driver. JOE GAERTE- WoO sprint driver. BUTCH LEITZINGER- State College, PA NASCAR CWES and World Class driver. RICH GARDNER- Late Model Stock Car driver from Waterford, PA; "Eriez Speedway" 5-time Dirt Late Model champion. LIZ STRICKLER- Susquehanna Sportsman driver Randy's wife. JUDY MANIX- The sister of Plainville, CT drivers Ted and Mike Christopher.
February 29 BRIAN HOAR- His day is really February 29, but we can't have this Goss Dodge driver miss his day.
March 1 ALEXIS SZEGEDY- Wife of former WMT champion Todd, AKA George. BOBBY SEYMOUR- Well known midget driver and partner of Seymour Enterprises Performance Products Inc. QUINN CHRISTOPHER- Wife of well known multi-talented driver TC. DAVE MARCIS- Skyland, NC Retired NSC driver/RCR research driver. BILLY PAUCH- Frenchtown, NJ driver of the Williams Grove based Zemco Sprint. RANDY HEDGER- Nextel Cup official from Williamson, NY. TIM STEELE- Coopersville, MI ARCA driver. JERRY CAMINITO- Jackson, NJ NHRA Funny Car driver. GLENN FRYE, JR- Grandson of Warren "Jeep" Frye and 1/4 Midget driver of Blackbird, Deleware. DONNA KOCHER- Bethlehem, PA AMRA Microstock member. KATHY TEMCHAK- Wife of Canterbury, NH NHIS victory Lane Staff Member John.
March 2 TAMMY SUE WOODS- The wife of New Jersey born Steve "Woody" Woods on the R&D staff at Evernham NNC racing. LAURIE UDES- Wife of Morris Plains, NJ asphalt Modified driver John.
March 3 FRED RAHMER- Pennsy based international Sprint car driver. DANNY JOHNSON- Phelps,NY D.I.R.T. Modified champion. CHARLIE SAVAGE- From Portland, CT now driving a Modified at Charlotte County Speedway in Punta Gorda, FL. MELANIE DEWARE- From Easton, MA, the bubbly wife of Mosler Automotive/Jilbrit Wheels GT Team driver Scott. MARY LOUISE HODGE- Racing photographer from Manchester, CT; photographer Howie's wife. MARGARET DAVIS- Manassas, VA writer. GREG RHEN- Sinking Spring, PA dirt catcher and fan of Kenny Brighbill.
As we move along in our study we find a familiar theme, it is what is in your heart that matters. Our outward actions can say one thing, our words can say another, but it is our heart that reveals the truth. What is in your heart? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We have all been in the situation that we couldn’t say what we really thought. Whether it is an interview at the track or an encounter with fans, most times we need to measure what we say and take into account who is listening. I say this to illustrate that we don’t always reveal what is in our heart.
Jesus continued his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount with these words;
Mathew 5:27-30, "You have heard that it was said, `Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
Adultery is wrong, even thinking about it is wrong. This illustrates God’s high view of the marriage relationship. Jesus helps us to understand that when we enter into a marriage relationship it should be the only intimate relationship we have. It is not up for debate, don’t even think about it.
Jesus expands the teaching that it is what is in our heart that matters. He expands this to lustful desires. Lust is a word that we have equated with sex but listen to what it indicates. Lust, a desire, yearning, a longing, a hunger, an ache, envy, thirst, an itch for something. Most of these terms describe something that overtakes us. It is very hard to have the willpower to resist. When we allow the wrong thoughts to rule our mind we end up sinning in our heart. Jesus lets us know that is the same as following through with our thoughts.
He has some advice for us though; remove it from your life. He explains that we are to go to great lengths to remove whatever it is in our life that causes us to sin. He said it is better to lose one part of our body that to lose our entire life. Have no doubt about it, this is serious stuff.
Jesus doesn’t limit this just to adultery, his example covers anything we do that causes us to sin. We need to cut it out of our life.
Have you ever heard of garbage in, garbage out? That’s exactly what Jesus is saying, if you allow these things in your life then your life will be worthless. If the things we put in our minds and hearts are not good then what comes out will be bad. Don’t allow yourself to be fooled into thinking you can control your mind, you can’t.
Take a look at some of the video games that are being released today. Some of the worst ones create a mindset that doesn’t value what God values, life itself. Do you think there is a connection between what people subject their minds to with these games and what they do in their lives? I do and I think we see it in the way people treat each other. We have developed a disregard for others and their lives.
How do we respond to things in our life that cause us to sin? Probably not the way Jesus instructs us to here. For some reason we think we can handle it. We think we are strong enough to resist the temptation. We think others are weak but not us. We are wrong.
What are we thinking? Soon enough it will show in the way we live our life. Are we ready to live a life that shows the love of Christ? I would encourage you to take note of what you allow into your mind. Take note of what you allow yourself to think. The wrong influences and thoughts will lead to actions that will destroy our lives.
I recently watched a movie that helps us to understand this teaching; Fireproof. It helps us to understand how important the relationship of marriage is and helps us to see how we can make it better. There is a teaching in that movie that we all need to remember; “Don’t just follow your heart, because your heart can be deceived, lead your heart to where it needs to be.” Jesus teaches us the same thing, how we condition our heart matters. What we put into our heart matters, because what is in our heart will show itself in our lives.
Don’t allow things into your mind that will destroy your life. Cut them out, remove their influence. It is better to lose a part of your life than condemn yourself to hell. Do not take these words lightly. Watch yourself and the things that influence your thoughts.
SPEEDWAY EXPO- Coming to West Springfield, MA, February 27-March 1. This is the beginning of the spring and the start of the racing season. It allows us to get together and make the final arrangements before we hit the track. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and learning what you have been up to this past winter. I will be hanging out with Race Depot and Design 500. Stop by and say hi. Check out the fire suit that Design 500 made for the ministry, it is awesome. We hope to have the pace car on display but have yet to hear.
43RD ANNUAL WORLD SERIES IN THE BOOKS- New Smyrna finished up their winter meeting for asphalt racers. Congratulations to the winners, TC won 4 of the 8 Tour Mod races to secure the Championship, Jimmy Blewett left no doubt in the SKMod Division winning all 8 races. Look for some additional Modified action courtesy of C&C Racing Promotions in early March in NC.
ORANGE COUNTY SPEEDWAY OPEN THE MODIFIED SEASON- Getting an early start on things Officials from C & C Racing Promotions and the Southern Modified Race Tour are planning an open show at this Rougrmont, NC 3/8 mile track. The race will be run March 5& 6 and we should be able to make the trip. They opened the place up on Monday following the races down south for those who wanted to test things out. Look for many of the teams that compete in the North-South Shootout to support this show.
PRAYER AND ENCOURAGEMENT- Stafford Late Model driver Scott Foster Jr. was involved in a snowmobile accident in Vermont and is recovering in New Hampshire. He could use our prayers and encouragement, Shane Courchesne had this report on his blog; Foster sustained numerous internal injuries in the crash and went through six hours of surgery late Saturday and early Saturday in New Hampshire.
"It was a pretty scary deal," Foster's brother Sean said. "Just a nasty wreck. Anything to pick up his spirits would be great." Well wishes can be sent in care of Scott Foster Jr. to:
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center 1 Medical Center Drive Lebanon, N.H. 03756
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
February 18 NED & MARTHA JARRETT- The former NNC champion and wife; proud parents of TV's Glen and WNNC Dale, share their 52nd anniversary.
February 20 MARK & DALE THOMAS- The Publisher of Maine based "The Racin' Paper" and wife share their 9th anniversary. JOE & ARLEEN SUKUP- This Schodack Landing, NY retired Midget owner and wife make it 42 years.
February 21 RYAN & LORA MARKHAM- This Wayne County Speedway based, Ashalnd, Ohio Late Model driver and wife celebrate their 10th anniversary.
February 18 JIMMY KITE- Effingham, IL born, now Stockbridge, GA IRL driver. PHILLIP DOWNS- Retired Riverhead Modified team owner.
February 19 JEFF PURVIS- Clarksville, TN NNS/ARCA driver. JOHN PAUL, JR.- Muncie, IN born, now West Palm Beach, CA IRL driver. PAT DAVISON- Dover, ME LM/NASCAR CWES driver. JOAN MICHEL- Mom of Wall Township Speedway top Modified driver Dave and wife of former Wall Mod champion Tom.
February 20 SCOTT LAGASSE- St. Augustine, FL NASCAR Truck Series driver. MIKE MATTHEWS- NJ asphalt Mod driver. ARLEEN MILLER- Camp Hill, PA Susky fan; Ron's wife.
February 21 WAYNE JACKS- Las Vegas, NV NASCAR West driver. VINCE SUDDARD- Wilmington, DE NASCAR CWES/LM driver. RICHARD JORDAN- Of long-time Kelly Moore NASCAR CWES sponsor, Jordan Lumber. REBECCA RESNER- Daughter of Long Island LM team owner, Richie and wife Melissa.
February 22 CHUCK BOWN- Oregon semi-retired NNS/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 CWES sponsor Jordan Lumber. FRANK CANNEY- Meriden, CT photographer. AJ PAPALE- Son of CT based Mod/ProStock driver/crew cheif Tony and wife Jodi is 13.
February 23 JASON KELLER- Greensville, SC NNS driver. STEVE SEABURG- New Britain, CT retired Mod driver. 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 19.
February 24 MICHAEL RITCH- High Point, NC NNS/LMSC driver. RICK DYKE- Danbury, CT retired ProStock driver. LOUIS LaFLEUR- Thompson Speedway track crew member.
How do we go about settling disputes? Are we honest with ourselves? Do we seek to settle things or leave them in someone else’s hands? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Taking a look back we review what we have already discussed in this passage.
Matthew 5:21-26, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, `Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, `You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
We first covered harsh words and how God views our use of them. When we tear someone down with words we kill their spirit. We devalue them. God values each one of us the same. In God’s eyes we all are the same. When we do not value what God values we elevate ourselves above Him. We do not have that right.
Jesus tells us that when we do not show others the same value that God does we, in effect, murder them, kill their spirit. Jesus says we do not have the right to do that.
We then took a look into our hearts and discussed the motivation behind our actions. God requires that our heart is motivated by the right things or the offering we bring is not acceptable. We need to reconcile things.
It can be difficult to reconcile things, but follow me on this. God doesn’t ask us to change the heart of someone else, He asks us to change our heart. He asks us to recognize that we have harbored sin in our heart. He asks us to take responsibility for that sin and do something about it. He asks us to reconcile it. We do that through the process of seeking forgiveness for the things in our hearts that don’t agree with God. We do that by seeking forgiveness from those we have sinned against. God doesn’t require that they forgive us but that we seek it. When we humble ourselves to seek forgiveness we move closer to God.
This week we decide who will settle our differences. Let me ask you, have you ever cheated someone? Have you ever cheated at something? I know we get paid to cheat and the officials get paid to catch us. We have many sayings about it like; it ain’t cheating if you don’t get caught. Any way we look at it we try to get an advantage and hope we don’t get caught.
What happens when we do? Are we willing to put our fate in the hands of the judge? Most times we try to settle things before we get to court. Think about the last speeding ticket you got. How much did you try to get out of it before the police officer wrote the ticket? Did you admit your guilt or were you trying to convince the officer that you were not guilty?
I can tell you it will go better for you if you do not try to talk the officer out of a ticket. Many of you have heard the story of the time we were stopped by Virginia’s finest on our way to South Boston at 3:30 am. I was asked a simple question, did I have any reason to be going the speed the officer said I was going? I responded, No Sir. In the end he asked me to drive carefully and he left to give chase to someone else. Realizing your guilt and confessing it with a humble heart, changes things.
To sum up this passage you could use the phrase, do not think more of yourself than you ought, it will be your downfall. Jesus knew we like to be the most important. He knew we will do anything to stay on top. He knew we would have trouble admitting we were wrong. His point is this, we need to guard our heart and keep it in tune with God. We need to honor and respect what God values. When we are wrong we need to settle it and move forward.
We will move on in our study on the Sermon on the Mount next week to look at the way we should honor the commitments we make to a relationship. Take some time this week to look into your heart and see if there are some things that need to be dealt with. Deal with them.
RACING SEASON KICKS OFF IN FLORIDA- The Modifieds roared back into action at New Smyrna this past week and the first race out of the box showed the over enthusiasm you get after a few months off. More than a few received hammock rides back to the infield. Jimmy Blewett has three victories already, 2 SKMod wins and 1 Tour Mod win in the first two nights. Matt Hirschman had the other Tour Mod victory.
Across town those fendered guys got it going with the Bud Shootout. Patience was the key as Kevin Harvick came home with the victory. Scott Speed has had some challenges trying to get comfortable in these type of cars. With two incidents already it may prove to be a long season.
All eyes will be focused on Florida this week to see who comes out on top. I don’t know if you caught it but Geoff Bodine is attempting to qualify for the Daytona 500. His trailer that more resembles one you would see at Thompson or Stafford along with the one car and a new engine show that even the little guy can take a shot at the big one. That is not the same in other sports. Larry Gunselman is the owner of the entry. They are pretty low on the speed charts but hopefully, for old time sake, former Mod and Daytona 500 Champion, Geoff can race it into the field.
PRAYER NEEDS- This past week Mike Clayton passed away. Mike was a good friend to many in the racing family and will be missed, especially at Wall. Wall Chaplain, Bob Menschner, had this to say, “We lost another friend in racing, this week, Mike Clayton. He worked with Jamie Tomaino, on his modified, in the early days of his championship year. He also worked with Dave Micheal, on his Wall Modified when Dave had lots of championships. He had a good sign painting business and lettered many racecars, in the early days of racing. He was only 42 but the LORD needed him home.”
Rev. Dan handled the services for the family this past Sunday. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.
CAMPING WORLD EAST SERIES OWNER HURT- Rob Grimm, owner of the #71 Eddie McDonald piloted ride, had a snowmobile accident last Thursday. He suffered a few broken bones and a concussion. He is home now, resting. Pray that he manages his recovery, the pain and discomfort, well. We all know recovering from this sort of thing takes time. Keep his family in your prayers as well, as this can be a stressful time for them also.
STAFFORD SKMODS MAY HAVE A SOUTHERN FLAVOR- I spoke with the folks that put Jeff Earnhardt in a SKMod for the North-South shootout and they are still working on putting the necessary arrangements together to have Jeff compete on a weekly basis for them at SMS. They are optimistic that it can happen. We’ll see.
Enjoy the racing from Florida, it will be spring soon and the roar of the engines will be felt at a track near you soon! 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.
February 11 WENDELL & DELORIS MINTER- The Martinsville, VA WODY Gospel Music host and wife from Ridgeway, VA celebrate their 32nd anniversary. Congratulations and Praise the Lord!
ROY & DORIS DEALL- Riverhead Raceway's Neal Fiola Crew Chief and wife celebrate. WAYNE & MARY BLAKE- Of Norwich, CT, the Ass't Infield Coordinator at Waterford Speedbowl and wife celebrate their 11th anniversary. KIRK & PAM WISE-Kirk and his wife share their 27th wedding anniversary.
February 15 RICH CAOUETTE & NANCY LaBONNE-CAOUETTE- These East Hartford, CT fans share their 18th.
February 11 WADE HENDRICKSON- Lawrenceville, NJ Modified driver/owner. KEN KUHLMAN- Veteran AARN columnist/ Bridgeport, NJ Speedway scorer. KRISTI CAMERON- Alfred, ME Jeff Gordon fan. "DAKOTA" RAY KOHLER- Son of Micro Sprint driver Jason from Fleetwwod, PA.
February 12 JIMMY CHESTER- Newfield, NJ Bridgeport driver. RICK HOCTOR- D.I.R.T. Modified driver. HARMON "BEAVER" DRAGON- Milton, VT Thunder Road based LM driver. STEVE BIRD- NNS Crew Chief from Massachusetts. LORI BEERS- Sister/Team member of Eric Beers Northampton, PA Modified team.
February 13 FRANK VIGLIAROLO, JR.- Medford,NY driver.
February 14 *** VALENTINE'S DAY ***
JERRY MARQUIS- Karen's Valentine husband, Enfield, CT CWES and WMT driver, 2000 WMT Champion. BILL VENTURINI- Wife Kathy's Valentine, Chicago, IL ARCA driver. SCOTT SHARP- Norwalk, CT born, now Jupiter, FL IRL driver. JESSICA WATTS- Daughter of Riverhead/NASCAR WMT Mod driver Danny and wife Vivian is 16. JOHN PAUL TEMCHAK- This son of NHIS Victory Lane Staff Member John and wife Kathy from Canterbury, NH is 19.
February 15 JIM SPENCER- Berwick, PA NSCS driver and PA hero. PAUL KOTTER- No. Attleboro, MA racing publications sales rep, now retired to Florida. JEANNINE NEGRI- Danbury, CT Jeff Fuller fan. GLEN KONK- Jackson, NJ fan.
February 16 BOB BALAAM- Bridgeport Sportsman driver; Stan Ploski's nephew. JERRY "MAGEE" MILLER- Allentown, PA Mod/NASCAr Mod/Truck driver. ANDY SCHALTZ- Whip City Mini Sprint and Riverside Mini Stock driver. ROBERT BLACK- Hickory, NC retired former NNS Director. STEPHANIE BALL- Daughter of NH Mod driver Rusty and wife Ann is 20. ARIANNA KOHLER- The daughter of Grandview/ Big Diamond NASCAR dirt Modified driver Warren is 12.
February 17 TRACY MARCIEL MANION- Wife of Martin Truex crew chief and 7NY modified Kevin "Bono" Manion now living in NC. DEVIN PEREZ- The grandson of LongislandMotorsports.com Publisher/ Editor and Raceway Media magazine columnist, Mike and wife Lori is 6. SHELLEY GAHAN- Daughter of NH LM/NASCAR CWES driver Bobby and wife Carol. JUDY KRAMER- Riverhead, NY Rusty Wallace fan.
MIKE CLAYTON- We lost another friend in racing, Mike Clayton, who passed away last week. He worked with Jamie Tomaino, on his modified, in the early days of his championship year. He also worked with Dave Micheal, on his Wall Modified when Dave won lots of championships. He had a good sign painting business and lettered many racecars, in the early days of racing. He was only 42 but the LORD needed him home. Please keep his family and the Wall Stadium family in your thoughts and prayers.
MOTORSPORTS 2009- Atlantic City, Here we come! The Motorsports world is ready to descend on the Jersey shore, specifically the Atlantic City Convention Center and The Boardwalk Hotel; a little time to look around, renew old acquaintances and a little time to race. We look forward to this show all year. It is a time for us to get out and meet those who support us and share with them the champions from the drivers and teams we minister to. This year will be no exception.
The show has been concentrated to Friday and Saturday this year and Saturday is the day we will have our Champions present. Matt Kobyluck, Camping World East Series Champion and Ted Christopher, Whelen Modified Tour Champion will be on hand at 1:00 to sign autographs. And then later in the day at 2:00 ROC Champion, Matt Hirschman will be there joined by 5-time WMT Champion Tony Hirschman and Whelen Modified Tour ROTY Glenn Reen.
We are looking forward to seeing you all so stop by and say hello. As always you will be able to pick up some decals, T-shirts and Sweatshirts that show your support and help keep us going.
TOYOTA ALL-STAR SHOWDOWN- The list keeps growing as drivers commit to run in Irwindale at what has become “The Daytona 500 of Short-track Racing.” Joey Logano will be back to defend his crown.
"I can't wait to go back," Logano said. I've got the same car and that track is just a real cool race track. And we had a great time out in Southern California. I really enjoyed being out there. It's pretty much the Daytona 500 of short-track racing, and it would be awesome to go back and win it again."
Joey will be joined by the likes of Hornaday, Crafton, Kobyluck, Sellers, Davis and more. Rev. Dan will make the trip out and be joined by our West Coast Coordinator Gary Dionne and Chaplain Paul Veluzat. I am sure a visit to the Long Beach with Deb and Amanda will be in order. Maybe the Commodore will give them a tour around the estate.
I’ll be hanging back on the East Coast for this one as the timing with Motorsports makes it necessary for us to divide responsibilities.
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
Check that off the list of thgins I was confused about.
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