Looking back on the season past is a common activity during the Fall season. But reflection is more personal. How have we reflected the character of God during the events of the last year? When we look honestly at our reflection do we see the grace and mercy shown to us by God? What does our reflection look like? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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.
