Ah the smell of Thanksgiving; turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy and all the fixings. We are putting plans in place for next week’s Potluck Harvest Dinner at Christian Life Chapel, The Racer’s Church. What a wonderful time of community, food, fun and celebration. It is a special time when friends and family come together around the table to enjoy the fruits of each other’s labor.  

Thinking about all that we enjoy I wondered who put forth the effort to make it a reality. Sure, someone is up at six preparing and getting the turkey in the oven. Others were busy at their homes preparing a dish to share. But the work started much sooner for many. The farmer comes to mind. Their effort to cultivate, plant, nurture and grow made the biggest contribution to the meal. 

What about a racing series championship? What sort of things need to be in place for that celebration to take place? We can go all the way back to the raw metal sitting in the rack, waiting to be cut and pieced together. Even before that, the mind of the chassis builder as they plan the way the pieces will fit together. Many hands go into a championship celebration. 

The thought crossed my mind as the championship leader got caught in an incident on the track at Seekonk last Saturday. That placed him behind the field and a few points out of the championship hunt. He needed to gain several positions to hold onto his lead. He pitted and swapped right-side tires. The comment was “This could be a show” meaning he would be up on the wheel digging as hard as he could to regain the lost positions.

In the end Jon McKennedy regained enough positions to win with a couple to spare. Think of all the preparation, races run, tires changed, laps completed to come down to a handful of laps for all the marbles.

I wonder if we have stopped and considered all the people who make our championships a success. As my mind stretches trying to get a handle on all the people involved; the chassis, motor, components, driver, team, track, series, and the list goes on. Whether a top division or a support division, no matter, all the hands necessary to complete the effort are present.  

I enjoy it when a plan comes together. Think about the life we live. Just as someone, somewhere had to have the thought to organize this entire effort into what we call racing, the same can be said about our lives. Overwhelming when you stop and consider. We receive the blessing of pursuing what we have a passion in our heart to do. Thankful seems somehow incomplete. 

The harvest isn’t possible without the effort of so many. We have friends that returned to farming after being away for a season. We see the joy and satisfaction visible on their faces as they bring in the harvest. Many early mornings and late nights. There are concerns about the weather, will it cooperate? All the cultivating, planting, fertilizing, watering and tending to the crop. For what? The satisfaction of the harvest. 

Psalm 139:13-16; 

 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body 

    and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! 

    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, 

    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 

You saw me before I was born. 

    Every day of my life was recorded in your book. 

Every moment was laid out 

    before a single day had passed. 

God is our maker, He is the one who knitted us together, hidden from view. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Each one of us is a creation of the Lord God Almighty. I think we forget that sometimes. Each one of us has the unique touch of our creator. Created for a purpose, a harvest, if you will. Created uniquely qualified to fit into the plan of the Lord. 

Have you wondered how some things fit so well together? Turkey and stuffing, peas and carrots, tea and honey, the list goes on. We were created to complement each other. There is a plan and we have a part in it. Consider what God created you for. Consider what God desires for your life. 

Matthew 9:35-38; Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” 

We need to seek out the Lord of the harvest and ask for direction. We need to be willing to follow His plan, the plan put in place before our eyes beheld the beauty of this world. This was created for us to have dominion over, but we have fallen short. Without all the necessary effort the harvest will be incomplete. 

Where does this find us today? Are we celebrating because of the efforts of many? Are we reaping the glory of the harvest? Maybe, but have we allowed the Lord to direct us in being a part of the effort to grow that which is being harvested? 

I remember the calling of the prophet Isaiah. He found himself guilty in the presence of the Lord Almighty.  

Isaiah 6:5-8; Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” 

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.” 

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” 

I said, “Here I am. Send me.” 

The Lord of the Harvest is ready and willing to forgive. He is on His throne waiting for each of us to come before Him and seek forgiveness. He will forgive and enable us to work for Him as He prepares for the harvest. Are we willing to receive the gift He offers? Are we willing to put forth the effort to make the harvest great? As I see the eyes of fulfillment and satisfaction in the farmer, the reward is greater than we know. Allow the Lord to have dominion over your life.  

Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.

Ah the smell of Thanksgiving; turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy and all the fixings. We are putting plans in place for next week’s Potluck Harvest Dinner at Christian Life Chapel, The Racer’s Church. What a wonderful time of community, food, fun and celebration. It is a special time when friends and family come together around the table to enjoy the fruits of each other’s labor.  

Thinking about all that we enjoy I wondered who put forth the effort to make it a reality. Sure, someone is up at six preparing and getting the turkey in the oven. Others were busy at their homes preparing a dish to share. But the work started much sooner for many. The farmer comes to mind. Their effort to cultivate, plant, nurture and grow made the biggest contribution to the meal. 

What about a racing series championship? What sort of things need to be in place for that celebration to take place? We can go all the way back to the raw metal sitting in the rack, waiting to be cut and pieced together. Even before that, the mind of the chassis builder as they plan the way the pieces will fit together. Many hands go into a championship celebration. 

The thought crossed my mind as the championship leader got caught in an incident on the track at Seekonk last Saturday. That placed him behind the field and a few points out of the championship hunt. He needed to gain several positions to hold onto his lead. He pitted and swapped right-side tires. The comment was “This could be a show” meaning he would be up on the wheel digging as hard as he could to regain the lost positions.

In the end Jon McKennedy regained enough positions to win with a couple to spare. Think of all the preparation, races run, tires changed, laps completed to come down to a handful of laps for all the marbles.

I wonder if we have stopped and considered all the people who make our championships a success. As my mind stretches trying to get a handle on all the people involved; the chassis, motor, components, driver, team, track, series, and the list goes on. Whether a top division or a support division, no matter, all the hands necessary to complete the effort are present.  

I enjoy it when a plan comes together. Think about the life we live. Just as someone, somewhere had to have the thought to organize this entire effort into what we call racing, the same can be said about our lives. Overwhelming when you stop and consider. We receive the blessing of pursuing what we have a passion in our heart to do. Thankful seems somehow incomplete. 

The harvest isn’t possible without the effort of so many. We have friends that returned to farming after being away for a season. We see the joy and satisfaction visible on their faces as they bring in the harvest. Many early mornings and late nights. There are concerns about the weather, will it cooperate? All the cultivating, planting, fertilizing, watering and tending to the crop. For what? The satisfaction of the harvest. 

Psalm 139:13-16; 

 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body 

    and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! 

    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, 

    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 

You saw me before I was born. 

    Every day of my life was recorded in your book. 

Every moment was laid out 

    before a single day had passed. 

God is our maker, He is the one who knitted us together, hidden from view. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Each one of us is a creation of the Lord God Almighty. I think we forget that sometimes. Each one of us has the unique touch of our creator. Created for a purpose, a harvest, if you will. Created uniquely qualified to fit into the plan of the Lord. 

Have you wondered how some things fit so well together? Turkey and stuffing, peas and carrots, tea and honey, the list goes on. We were created to complement each other. There is a plan and we have a part in it. Consider what God created you for. Consider what God desires for your life. 

Matthew 9:35-38; Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” 

We need to seek out the Lord of the harvest and ask for direction. We need to be willing to follow His plan, the plan put in place before our eyes beheld the beauty of this world. This was created for us to have dominion over, but we have fallen short. Without all the necessary effort the harvest will be incomplete. 

Where does this find us today? Are we celebrating because of the efforts of many? Are we reaping the glory of the harvest? Maybe, but have we allowed the Lord to direct us in being a part of the effort to grow that which is being harvested? 

I remember the calling of the prophet Isaiah. He found himself guilty in the presence of the Lord Almighty.  

Isaiah 6:5-8; Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” 

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.” 

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” 

I said, “Here I am. Send me.” 

The Lord of the Harvest is ready and willing to forgive. He is on His throne waiting for each of us to come before Him and seek forgiveness. He will forgive and enable us to work for Him as He prepares for the harvest. Are we willing to receive the gift He offers? Are we willing to put forth the effort to make the harvest great? As I see the eyes of fulfillment and satisfaction in the farmer, the reward is greater than we know. Allow the Lord to have dominion over your life.  

Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.

I was thinking back, well beyond the last season, remembering the things that have made an impression on me. I tell the story of a racer who didn’t read the Bible until he received a copy of the Racer’s Bible. I received the story from the racer’s wife. She introduced herself to us; Dottie Mann. Her husband was midget racing champion and legend, Johnny Mann. She shared how when she showed him the Bible, he received it and started reading it, because it was the Racer’s Bible and he was a racer. 

The other day I read a comment about Johnny and his racing career; he was a fierce competitor on the track, but in the pits, he was remarkably friendly and kind.  I thought about all the places and experiences he and Dottie shared, I wondered how much he had learned. I wondered; had they found the secret? Had they found peace? 

That reflection reminded me of some familiar words I use when I close the driver’s meeting in prayer, “compete with respect, be able to shake hands at the end of the race and congratulate your competitors for a race well run.”

We need to look at things differently than the world around us. Are we reflecting the selfish character traits of the world around us or are we reflecting the character of God? The choice is ours to make. No one can decide for you, and claiming the influence of those around us isn’t being honest with ourselves. We need to think differently.

There is a verse in Scripture that came to mind;

Romans 12:2; Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Somewhere we need to find God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. Our attitude must be in direct contrast to the ones we observe around us. Our minds must not be set on Earthly things, but on things above.

We could all do with a little transformation. We all could think a little differently. Our desire must be to please and honor God. I share that many times in prayer, “Lord, help me to respond in a way that honors you.” That implies we know what words and actions honor God. Paul helped us in his letter to the Galatians;

Galatians 5:22-23; NLT; But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Another common sight this time of year is the farmers harvesting their crops. Sitting there on the seat of the tractor is a good place to reflect on things. With that in mind I thought we would have a little fun this week. I received an email titled “Reflections from the Seat of My Tractor.” Read them, reflect on them, smile and laugh, it is good for the soul.

“The best sermons are lived, not preached.”

“Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.” 

“Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.” 

“Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.” 

“Words that soak into your ears are whispered…….not yelled.” 

“If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.” 

“The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin’.” 

“A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.”

“Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.” 

“You cannot unsay a cruel word.” 

“Every path has a few puddles.” 

“Most of the stuff people worry about, ain’t never gonna happen anyway.” 

“Don’t judge folks by their relatives. 

“Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.” 

“Always drink upstream from the herd.” 

“Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.” 

“If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.” 

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.” 

“Live a good and honorable life, then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.”

“Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God.”

Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.

It is racing and it is supposed to move fast. But life can pass us by while we are focused on something as consuming as chasing a championship. The season is drawing to a close and champions are being crowned. Exhale. 

The off season isn’t as long as it used to be. We will be racing indoors soon and with the racing shows to get us through, February will be here before you know it and we will be back at it. I encourage you to use this time to rest. 

Resting with Jesus, sounds like a new name for a ministry? The racing world does not corner the market on stress and frustration. The world we live in has been described as a rat race.  

We are entering the time of year when we can take that break and relax. We can look back and reflect on the season past. Taking some time to catch up on the things we left behind in our race to the front. Jesus gives up a place to rest.

Jesus came to save us. From what you ask, from us. We fill our lives with so much stuff that the stuff starts to win out. We develop a lifestyle that feeds off itself. We start finding ourselves needing to do this, this and this in order to maintain our lifestyle. It becomes overwhelming and we just keep on going trying to stay one-step ahead, for what? So we can live? 

I am not sure many people would classify what they do as living. They may say surviving, but not living. We all have a vision of what living is and we are not there yet.  

In his poem, The Station, Hastings talks about the vision, “when we get there”. Where? A new house, car, home, kids through school, promotion, win a race. We never get there. Once we accomplish one thing there is another to move on to. Our vision is never satisfied. He writes further to say it is not the destination, but the journey that we must focus on. That is why Jesus makes this offer in Matthew: 

Matthew 11:28-29,nlt, Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. 

Jesus provides for each one of us the security of the destination. If we accept Him we will be with him for eternity. Destination settled, now about the journey. 

This past weekend was the World Series at Thompson. If you take a look you’ll see a bench under the big oak tree. The bench was presented to Rev. Pat at Thompson Speedway by the Ladies Auxiliary along with a plaque thanking him for twenty-five years of dedicated ministry to the Whelen Modified and Busch North Series (now the ARCA East). The bench is located under the great oak tree where our first chapel service was held in October of 1980.  This month we celebrate 46 years in ministry!

The message is simple, come unto me and rest. Park it on the bench, refocus, spend some time with Jesus and seek His will for your life. When we ask, seek and knock, it will be provided for us within the will of God. RWJ takes on a new meaning, Rest with Jesus. 

Matthew 7:7-12, “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.  

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. 

When we take a step back from the challenges of our life and we realize that our Savior has already won that race, “It is finished.” We can adjust our focus and look around and participate in the journey. Along that road we need to reach out and help one another. We need to guide and direct people to the source of life. We need to, as Jesus said, be humble and gentle as we demonstrate how to live. 

David writes in Psalm 23, 

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. 

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 

He renews my strength. 

In Jesus we have a place to rest. Rest in Him, walk with Him along those peaceful streams, and let Him renew your strength. Amen 

We have been spread out this year. As we serve the racing community, we find ourselves in many different places. This year marks a milestone for RWJM on the dirt side of the ministry, our chaplains will cover all the WoO Sprint, Dirt Late Model and Big Block races. This was accomplished with 8 different chaplains and 25 Victory Chapels. People’s lives have been touched with the Gospel. They still have some traveling to do and will crown the champions for the World Racing Group at the World Dirt Finals in Charlotte in a few weeks. 

As I look at how far God has brought RWJM, we continue to see new opportunities on the horizon. There are still people in the racing community that need to be served. We welcome the opportunity and ask you to partner with us as we answer the call. We will catch our breath and then put plans in place to reach further. We need your help. As the year comes to a close remember us in your year-end tax deductible contributions.

Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.

Remember the old days? I am sure we all have stories of events, races, locked in our memory forever. We can recall them like they were yesterday. What about favorite drivers? We all have certain ones that for one reason or another we remember; memories that are burned into our minds forever. 

How about heroes? People we look up to, separate them from others in our lives. We seek to use their lives as motivation for ours. Do you have some heroes in your life? Do you look up to someone and desire to be like them? 

A funny thing happens when the next generation of racer comes on board. I have talked with many a father whose son or daughter has followed them into the driver’s seat. Many have said their child is their hero. From Mike McLaughlin talking about his son Max, to David Gilliland talking about his son Todd, to Joey Payne talking about his boys, to Eric Beers talking about Austin, to Ken Barry talking about Tyler, to Don Wagner talking about his son. 

I remember a conversation I had one night several years back with Don Wagner at Mahoning Valley about the next generation. He shared the familiar refrain about it being harder to watch your kid race verses driving yourself. His son needed to place in the top two in the consi to make the feature. As we looked over the lineup and went through the possibilities Don Sr. shared; 

“He (Don Jr.) said it doesn’t matter, he is going to win it.” 

Sure enough on the last lap Don Jr. made a last lap pass to take down the win. I caught up with Don Sr. getting lined up for the feature and through the darkness you could see the smile. He extended his hand, shook his head in disbelief and said “He won it!” 

Ah the torch, passing from one generation to the other. Don Sr. shared he welcomes the day he sees his son come by on the outside and pass him for the lead. That will be a cool day. He promised not to make it easy, but if Jr. has what it takes it will happen. 

I think in one form or another we all have heroes. They help us connect the past with the future. Kept in perspective, this is a healthy endeavor. Idol worship is a danger. Don’t put your hero on a pedestal, they will fall and fail you. Heroes do help us with the torch, keeping it lit and passing it on. 

When the connection is in the family, torch passing is easy. Passing the torch requires a relationship. For the torch to be held high we must know the journey it traveled. History matters, the challenges overcome to allow the torch to continue along the way. It is when it passes without a connection that it can get dropped. 

I remember something that happened a few years back at Thompson. A young driver, new to the sport, and I were watching the local divisions race and one of the all-time great modified drivers walked by. I introduced the two of them. They shook hands, We made small talk then we went back to watching the races. Then it struck me that this young man had no idea who he had just shaken hands with. I am sure that if I asked him the last thing he would guess is that the man he just met was one of the best modified drivers in the Northeast. 

Therein lies the challenge of transferring knowledge from one generation to the next. Do we know those who made it possible for us to race today? Do we consider the sacrifices others made to pave the way for our opportunity? Do we care about those who have walked the road, paid the price and made the efforts that formed the foundation of what we enjoy. Do we understand the innovations and creative intellect that shaped the race cars we run today? Do we care? 

The Apostle Paul cared and took several young men under his wing and taught them about God and how to live a life that honors God. One of those men was Timothy. In one of his letters to Timothy, he wrote about his race, life, and the fact that it was nearing the end. He charged Timothy to keep at it, follow the teachings he had been taught. Show the world the difference Christ can make in your life.  

2 Timothy 4:1-8, I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.  

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.  

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.  

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

For me this passage holds special meaning. On the day that I was ordained to the Gospel Ministry, T. Marshall Thompson read this passage to me. He was my mentor, my Paul. He spent his time helping me learn to handle God’s word correctly. He helped me learn how to be bolder for Christ. He encouraged me to run the race in such a way as to win. 

A short time after he read this passage to me T. Marshall left this earth to join God in Heaven. I will never forget the impression he made on me and the things he taught me. When I am faced with challenges beyond my understanding I think about T. Marshall and what he would tell me to do. He is still with me. 

Let me ask a couple of questions; have you taken the time to pass along what you have learned in your life and help someone mature? Have you sought out someone with more experience than you and let them guide you? What have we done to continue the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? 

There is much we do not know and will not learn unless we let someone teach us. There are many challenges in life that we cannot get through without someone there to encourage us. Take some time and be an encourager. Make the effort to ask for help from someone who knows how. The experiences we endure in life are only valuable if we learn from them and then pass those lessons learned on. Let us make every effort to help and encourage one another. Let’s commit to do our best not to let the torch fall.

Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.

How many of you like a good leaf pile? I remember as a kid enjoying this time of year, jumping in a pile of leaves. I was careless though, I never thought about what might be hidden underneath. Like racecars, I have seen some good-looking racecars that don’t have what it takes to be competitive on the track. There are some that look good and race good. Others just have looks and their performance is subpar. Some race like they are nervous about scratching the paint. You never know what’s hidden until you run the race.

Sometimes what’s hidden is a performance enhancement. The necessity of having to check gives us an indication of our human nature. If we hide it so no one can find it then it is okay. If they don’t find it, it is not cheating. I can think of many sayings we have, in and out of racing, which help us rationalize bending the rules.  

Jesus talked about something similar that existed in the Church in his day. The leaders looked right and acted right but the reality is they pursued their own benefit and not the benefit of those they lead. They had hidden their motives in their heart. Jesus said this type of activity was impure and dead. 

Matthew 23:27; NLT; “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity.

When we hide our motives and our actions don’t honor God the results are false, empty, hollow and dead. Many have tried to beat the system, fool those watching and perform for the recognition of others only to fall from grace when the truth is revealed.

Think about the major correction professional sports has undertaken to remove PED’s, performance enhancing drugs, from the playing field. I remember some years ago when they looked the other way. No one wanted to talk about the elephant in the room. We saw records fall as players nearing the end of their careers discovered the fountain of youth and major league sports were only too willing to ride the wave for the almighty dollar. 

Many an athlete that accomplished “superhuman” achievements have been brought down. Many asterisks appear in the books that record the achievements. Records have been nulled and names have been voided. Fans have been exploited. Why? Because of what is hidden from view.   

We rationalize doing something based on the risk of being caught. Is the reward worth it if you received it by doing something illegal, immoral or deceitful? Some would say yes, win at all costs. Some would say yes, as long as no one was hurt. God’s word says no. 

We bend the rules in our favor. We want to have everything worked out to our benefit. We spend time trying to figure out how we can get the upper hand and not get caught. We do everything in our power to achieve the best outcome, hiding our efforts undercover. 

I have been known to play golf a little. Golf is a very interesting sport. There are no officials out there checking to see if you are following the rules. You and you alone are responsible for enforcing the rules on yourself. Call your own penalties. That’s when it gets interesting. How many of us are ready to turn ourselves in for something that violates the rules that no one else sees?  

If you want to know someone’s true character, play golf with them and watch. Will they cheat themselves? Or will they hold up the integrity of the rules. What does it matter, it is only a game; right? Character matters. What is inside matters more than what is shown to others. 

In Luke’s gospel he tells us that the blessings we receive from God are contingent on how we handle the things of this world.  Do we handle them with the moral character that honors God? Do we have an understanding that God’s provision, blessings, are not only for us, but to be shared. Do we view these resources as someone else’s and are not to be hidden away for our use only? 

Luke 16:10-13; “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” 

God doesn’t need someone to check on us and see if we are genuine. He knows everything we do, seen and unseen. He knows our hearts, no surgery required. He sees the secrets that hide in each one of our closets. We cannot hide them from Him.  

God honors those who honor Him. God’s blessings fall on those who seek him with all their heart. It is not a reward for doing good, like a trophy. It is a result of the condition of our heart. It comes down to a choice. Who will we serve?  

We love to sit on the fence. When we evaluate a situation, we choose which side of the fence we want to jump down on and live accordingly. We choose the side that benefits us the most. God says there are no fence sitters. If our heart’s desire is to please God, good things will result. If our focus is on ourselves, we will miss the blessings that God has for us. 

I would like to encourage you to live with integrity in everything you do. Whether seen or unseen we should not need to explain our motives; they should be plain to see. We don’t need to live our lives always looking over our shoulders wondering if anyone is watching. It is difficult to move forward if we are always looking behind, trying to figure out who is watching. In all we do we should not be ashamed if it is exposed for all to see. Only when we live like this do we experience the presence of God in our lives and our motives are in plain sight, not hidden.

Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.

As the seasons change it is good to take time and look back, reflect on the road we walked, the places we have been, the lessons we learned and the mistakes we made along that way. We need to look at where we were and where we are now. Did we end up where we hoped to be? Maybe there is some work still to be done. 

We make many changes in life but not all of them work out the way we thought they would or with the intent we had. We think we know what to do, but sometimes we fail to see the entire picture. As we transition it provides us a moment to step back, reflect and look at the path we are walking. 

I think some of our greatest moments are the small steps. We should acknowledge the significance of the small steps we take in life. Think about the little things that you have done this year. The things you have done that have enabled you to grow and advance, not only on the track but in your walk with Christ. Maybe this was the year you started reading your Bible every week or even every day. Maybe this was the year you made an effort to attend chapel service or a local church. Maybe it was the year that you made the effort to talk with God, pray, on a regular basis. 

We should take lightly the little things in life that make a significant difference. We can be guilty of not placing the right importance on seemingly little things, but it is the little things that add up to making significant changes in the direction of our lives. I am reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy; 

2 Timothy 4:1-8 (NLT); I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.  

These were not only the words Paul wrote to encourage Timothy, they were the same words one of my mentors shared with me as I entered into ministry.  

T. Marshal Thompson was a wise man who had seen many things in his life. He helped me overcome the desire to please men instead of pleasing God. He encouraged me to be a little bolder in my faith. He listened to my fears and helped me overcome them. Little things that helped me become a man dedicated to serve Jesus. 

T. Marshal is home now, but his memory is as alive as if he were still here. He helped me focus on the little things that, when you add them up, become significant things in life. He guided me through my doubt and showed me the hand of God on my life. As his life was winding down, he took the time to invest in mine.  

As we reflect on the things that we have seen and done this past season I ask you to think about those who have helped guide you. Those who have encouraged you to make decisions that were beneficial to your life. Those who provided the resources you needed to continue on.  

It is easy to continue on without remembering where we have been or who helped us get to where we are, but I suggest it is more beneficial to reflect a little. Take a look at the baby steps we took. Remember who was holding our hand as we took those steps.  

With another season winding down there is more racing ahead. Without the help of many others, we wouldn’t make it to this time of the year and still be able to race. To enter the homestretch, each one of us needed the support and encouragement of someone. That support helped us take the little steps that add up to a giant leap. We all need someone to walk by our side. Take time to say thanks and acknowledge what others have given so that we can pursue our dreams.

As the season changes there are new opportunities, new challenges to take on. They are available to us because of the growth we experienced by taking the little steps in life. Our experiences and decisions have helped us grow and we are able to see new horizons ahead. New roads to explore. With anticipation and reverence, we look forward to taking those new opportunities.

Where will the next season in life take us? Where will we travel, where will we race, where will we pursue life, liberty and happiness? God knows and he will reveal it to us when we seek Him.

Jeremiah 29:11-13; NLT; For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

The caveat is that our whole heart must be in it. When we pursue the plans that God has for us, we need to be all in.

One of our chaplains reminded me of these verses, Proverbs 3:5-6, written in the form of a prayer. I am thankful for God’s willingness to lead me. 

Lord, I trust in you with all my heart and I won’t rely on just what I understand. In all my ways, I will rely on You, because you will direct me in the way I should go.

Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.

I wonder if we have taken the time to see the challenges others are facing in life? Many times, we get so wrapped up in our lives that we don’t. We try to secure our peace without concern for what that does to others around us. Disturbing other’s peace is not a way to live, but we do. Pray that God doesn’t give us what we deserve. 

What goes around comes around. Life is a circle and sooner or later things have a way of balancing out. What would you think if I challenged you to break that chain? What would you think if I challenged you to forgive and make peace with those who offend you? What would you think if we decided to build things up instead of tearing them down?

We did for a while after 9/11; we reached out to our neighbors, stopped thinking only of ourselves, and made efforts to think of others ahead of ourselves. America was a better place after 9/11; we were a more considerate nation. We bonded together and unified to encourage, help and lift one another up. We have forgotten.

We have become divided people. We were moving in the right direction, but we let individualism and selfishness creep back in and rob us of our peace. We had an opportunity to take this nation in a different direction, but the reality is we are more divided than ever. 

Let’s face facts we are better at pulling things apart than putting them back together. We feel more comfortable getting even than we do forgiving and forgetting. Our desire is to set things straight as we see them instead of letting God take care of the consequences for us.

There I was, standing in the infield, the race had just finished, I asked one of the drivers; let’s call him Joe, about the problem he had late in the race and his words rang in my ears. “I’m not going to forget that he ran me up and cut my tire down. I don’t know when I’ll see him again or have the opportunity, but I won’t forget, I’ll get even.”

An hour later I spoke with another driver, a friend of the first. I asked him what he was up to and he shared, “I have to go talk to Joe, he’s on the edge and I need to talk him down.” Knowing the two are friends and had come up through the ranks together I knew that was a good thing. I was hoping he could help Joe get past his disappointment and not let his desire to get even eat him up inside.

Let me ask you, who are the people you remember most from the past? Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts, had a little quiz, take a look.

Here’s the first quiz:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Daytona 500 trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? The facts are none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies, awards tarnish, achievements are forgotten and accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? The lesson; The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

Colossians 3:15-17; Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Being at peace despite the challenges of life cannot be achieved alone. We could not be at peace with God if Christ didn’t give his life as a peace offering to God. Likewise, we cannot be at peace in our lives without someone there by our side to help us see things from the proper perspective. Peacemakers take the risk of stepping into a situation and doing whatever is necessary to bring two parties together.

As you can imagine, we have many opportunities to be peacemakers at the racetrack but not everyone sees things the same way. I remember a chance we had at Bristol. A team member wanted to approach a driver and ask him what was going through his mind when he spun out their driver. He asked me to go along with him so that things didn’t get out of hand. I was there to keep the peace. I am sure they still see things differently but the burden of sharing their point of view is relieved and now the steps of reconciliation have a place to start.

If we allow the burden of getting even to fester and grow in our lives, then we rob ourselves of the opportunity to be at peace. As long as we have something burning in us, our desire to get even, be made whole or get what we feel is right, we cannot be at peace. I don’t need to tell you how destructive that burning desire can be; it will eat you up until it consumes every part of your life.

Peacemaking starts with encouragement; someone must come alongside us and help us through. Encouragers are people willing to take the risk and help us to see things from a different perspective. Peacemaking isn’t about agreeing with someone, it is about bridging the gap between reality and what we understand. Most times for us to be at peace requires a leap of faith. Encourages help us make that leap.

Encouragement and accountability are the cornerstones of peacemaking. We need to be proficient at those skills if we are going to help others find the peace that God offers through Christ. Christ encouraged us to make peace with God. He gave his life to make that possible. As my friend Steve Brown says, “You think about that.”

Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.

Labor Day has its roots in Blue Collar America. The holiday began during the Industrial Revolution. Workers faced harsh conditions like 12-hour workdays and unsafe factories. Labor unions organized rallies and strikes to demand fair pay and safer work. The first U.S. Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882. President Grover Cleveland made it an official federal holiday in 1894.

Labor Day has lost some significance in recent times. It used to be that schools didn’t start until after the holiday. August for the most part was a time for spending on holiday. In fact, in Europe, most companies shut down for August. In America, the manufacturing sector would shut down for the first two weeks of August. Well, I think it is time we get back to some old-fashioned tradition and let Labor Day end summer as it traditionally did, one last Red, White and Blue celebration!

The Word of God isn’t silent on the need for hard work and the need for rest.

Colossians 3:23-24; ESV, Whatever you do, work heartily, (with all your heart), as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

This past week brought to mind some of the modified racing families I know that have worked hard to attain success, blue collar racers. The biggest stage of which was Daytona where a kid from Modified roots and blue-collar work ethic reached the top of the ladder. His grandpa was Bob Judkins and modified racing ran through his veins. Even though he has reached the top division of Stock Car racing, The Cup Series, he hasn’t forgotten how to get his hands dirty. He is found frequently under his own racecar turning wrenches.

A couple cool things about Ryan Preece, He drives his own Motorcoach, and his family is by his side. There are a couple pictures floating around from Victory Lane in Daytona, one of Ryan, Heather, their children and the family dog. Another one of a boy and his dad, framing the trophy. Won through hard work and determination. I am reminded of another picture taken several years ago at New Smyrna Speedway, a few miles south of Daytona; a young Ryan Preece, his Grandpa Bob Junkins and the famed 2x. The Judkins/Preece family knows hard work and are up to the task. Labor Day is a celebration for those who labor.

We shift our focus North, to the historic Jersey Shore oval; Wall Stadium. Last Saturday night the scene was set to remember a legendary racer, John Blewett III. John left us all too soon and he is remembered as a racer’s racer. The event was the John Blewett III Memorial 176. The Blewett’s; Grandpa, John Jr., John III, Jimmy and now James are blue collar racers. From Blewett’s Junkyard to the track where they worked hard and competed against the best in Modified racing.

As things go sometimes, the winner of the John Blewett III Memorial brings our minds to another Northeast Short-track, Riverhead, and another working-class racing family, the Solomito’s. Timmy “The Natural” Solomito took home the trophy on this special night. One hard-working racing family to another. If you hear the name Blewett you think of Wall Stadium, if you hear the name Solomito you think of Riverhead. You also think of Modified racing. 

As we reflect on this past weekend that gave us so many reminders of what hard work can do, let us also remember those who labor for our benefit. On this Labor Day we can remember the grit and determination, the working-class spirit that never gives up, the effort put forth for our benefit. Let us celebrate the Red, White and Blue collar that built this country.

Galatians 6:9; ESV; And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up

Perseverance and endurance are traits of those who have hope. That hope allows them to focus on the victory, pressing on for the prize that lays before us. Paul put it this way;

Philippians 3:14-15; ESV; Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

We press on, straining forward for what lies ahead. Our focus can be wrong, we can be caught looking back at what we missed and lamenting, but that won’t win the prize. We must forget what is behind and look forward. Nothing describes the hard-working folks that I know more than that. 

Forgetting doesn’t mean not learning, we can and must learn from our past and then press forward with a focus on what lies ahead. The lessons learned shape the decisions that bring us success in the days to come. God Word says to renew our mind so we can know God’s will. If we refuse to learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it. If it didn’t work the first time, then what makes us think it will work the second?

Endurance is another subject that we need to address if we are talking about labor. What are we able to endure for the benefit of the future? Someone came before us and laid the road that we walk on. I am sure it wasn’t easy and there were times they wanted to give up. They didn’t, not for their benefit but for ours. 

The question comes to mind, what are we willing to endure for the benefit of those who come behind us? Christ was willing to endure the cross, not for His benefit, but for ours. Think about who paved the way for our success? Think about who we can help with our perseverance and endurance. Press on for the prize! Remember, it is not always for our benefit that we do it, it is for the benefit of those who come behind us. 

In Hebrews 11 the writer talks about those who died before seeing the promise, they remained faithful even when it was clear they were only paving the road for the next generation. The stage was set for Christ by those who prophesied about His coming. They labored for us, to help us recognize it when He came. We need to do the same for those who will come behind us. 

Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.

We reap the fruits of our labor. Our efforts produce results, good and bad, for every action there is a consequence. Have people seen from us what they expected to see. Have we reflected the character of God we proclaim to believe? Will our harvest be abundant and good, or will it be sparse and spoiled.

When the season begins there are questions, how will the season go? There are always new competitors, new divisions, new rules, new equipment. How the season plays out can only be determined by running the races. At this time of the season we see the battle scars of the race season start to show. When the season starts all the cars look shiny and new, but not all are prepared to run the race. This time of year indicates those who have been in the race, swapped paint, contended for the victory. It also indicates those who just rode around and didn’t engage.

They say beauty is only skin deep, to really get to know someone, you have to walk with them through the fire. Life has many challenging situations and in them the quality of our character is revealed. That character reveals the fruit we produce. Sometimes we fall short, lose focus and don’t respond in the right manner, we spoil the fruit.

With Fall comes a good time to take a step back and evaluate our perspective on things. In the grand scheme of things where do we stand? How does our contribution help others find the right way to go in life? In the heat of the moment people have been known to overreact, fly off the handle. Challenges don’t always bring out our best.

I think one of the biggest challenges for us as Christians is being consistent, our thoughts, words and actions must be consistent. We need to be who we say we are. Our words and actions must reveal who we claim to represent. They must also reveal who people think we are. They will know we are Christians by what we say and do. Jesus explained it this way as He sat with the disciples around the dinner table at the Last Supper;

John 15:1-2, 4-6; NIV; “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes a so that it will be even more fruitful.

Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.

I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.

Connections are so important and if we want a harvest of good fruit we need to be connected to the true vine, Jesus. The Scripture reveals He is the source of life. If we are not connected to Him and stay connected to Him we cannot bear fruit, we will be cut off and thrown in the fire, Deadwood.

The Scripture also says even if we remain connected to the true vine we will be pruned to produce more fruit. Have you ever seen a vineyard in the springtime, they cut back the vine until you wonder if it will live. Come back in the fall and there is abundant fruit.

There is so much work that has to be done in the beginning to assure a good harvest. The teaching to the disciples is to stay connected to God through Jesus. In the coming days they would face challenges, situations that may temp them to deny Christ and run the other way. He was encouraging them to stay connected, because apart from Jesus we can do nothing.

What does that mean to us? Racers know the race isn’t won at the track, it starts long before that in the garage. Most of the work is done behind the scenes, building and preparing the car for the race. Gathering information to make the right adjustments. Determining what will work and what won’t. The car builder, crew and driver work to assemble what they think will be victorious. They are the “master gardener”.

Our lives are not much different, we need to focus on learning the best way to live, the best habits to develop, the best people to listen to and the best advice to follow. This Scripture explains if any of those efforts are not connected to God they will fail.

First, we need a source for that information. God provides it in His Word. Then we need a connection to that source. Jesus provides it with His sacrifice on the cross. Third, we need someone to guide us. The Holy Spirit will come and dwell in our hearts when we accept the forgiveness that Christ made available through His death and resurrection.

I encourage you to establish that connection. Call on the name of Jesus, ask Him to forgive you and ask Him to lead you. He will honor that request and come to reside in your heart. He will begin the pruning process to make us more fruitful.

John 10:10; NIV; The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

That pruning process, making adjustments, can be difficult, but it is necessary. There are many things in life that are not beneficial to us. Activities that do not contribute to our life but subtract from it. We think we know what is beneficial for us, but the truth is, we don’t.

Adjusting is a part of life, the part we need to get right. Jesus came with the purpose of restoring our relationship with God, connecting us to the vine. It cost him his life. He didn’t consider that a price too heavy to pay and paid it. Accept the gift He offers, establish that relationship.

If we want an abundant harvest, a full life, we need to be connected to the true vine and allow the adjustments necessary to conform us to His image. Having the right connection makes all the difference.

Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.