Freedom Isn’t Free, by Kelly Strong, is a poem written to recall the memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the giving of their lives. Their willingness to give secures to this day our freedom. Freedom to do whatever we enjoy doing. For us that means racing.

I watched the flag pass by one day

It fluttered in the breeze

A young Marine saluted it,

And then he stood at ease

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud

With hair cut square and eyes alert

He’d stand out in any crowd

I thought how many men like him

Had fallen through the years

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers’ tears?

How many Pilots’ planes shot down?

How many died at sea?

How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves?

No, Freedom isn’t free…

I was thinking the other day what would this country look like if we weren’t free? Would there even be racing, as we know it? On any given weekend we can choose where we go to watch a race. You can choose where to race. If you don’t like going to a certain track you can choose another. We have the freedom to choose. That is not something to take lightly.

Stop and think of all the choices we can make in our life and then think of some of the other nations in the world who don’t have the same option. The difference is freedom. The founders of our country decided to organize it on the foundation of God’s moral standard and freedom to choose. We have fought for over 200 years to maintain that, not only for us but also for other nations and peoples of the world.

God also gives us the freedom to personally choose. He makes available for us a life of abundance and freedom. We can choose if we are going to accept that life. Jesus said…

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

Paul adds in Galatians…

Galatians 5:1; It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 

Jesus came and gave His life as a sacrifice so that we could know the abundant and free life that God has offered us. Not unlike those who have fought for our country’s freedom so that we can enjoy an abundant and free life. For us to experience freedom it cost someone something.

Think of a race team. Some are funded well and some are run on a shoestring. It doesn’t matter; to be able to race someone pays. Someone’s hard work earns the money we receive to pay the cost of preparing our car and team to race. We experience the freedom to race because someone else paid the price. The situation is the same whether it is our hard work or someone else’s hard work, to race someone pays. Freedom to race isn’t free either.

For us to have freedom as a country many men and women paid with their lives. They made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of others. They gave their lives. 

In a similar way Christ sacrificed his life for us. Jesus gave His life so that we might have life. 

John 3:16-17; “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

The men and women who gave their lives secured our freedom as a nation. Jesus Christ gave His life for us to save us from death and destruction. Let me ask a question, do you enjoy your freedom as an American? If you do take the time to say thank you to those who have made it possible.

Let me ask another, do you want to experience an abundant and free life that only comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior? He gave His life to give you that opportunity, accept it and free yourself from the burden of sin. 

Freedom isn’t free. It cost someone, something. Be thankful there are those who are willing to pay the price for our freedom. Thank them. 

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.

I was talking with a veteran friend the other day and he helped me to understand the three holidays we celebrate to honor those in our military. First is Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May to remember all those who are currently serving. Next up is Memorial Day, the last Monday of May to remember those who lost their lives fighting for and defending the freedom we enjoy. Third is Veterans Day, observed on November 11, to remember all who have served. These are significant reminders for us to remember the freedom we enjoy cost someone something.

Freedom Isn’t Free is the title of a poem written to recall the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the giving of their lives. Their willingness to give secures to this day our freedom; freedom to do what we enjoy, racing.

I was thinking the other day what would this country look like if we weren’t free? Would there even be racing, as we know it? On any given weekend I can choose where I go to watch a race. You can choose where to race. If you don’t like going to a certain track you can choose another. We have the freedom of choice. That is not something to take lightly.

Stop and think of all the choices we can make in our life and then think of some of the other nations in the world who don’t have the same option. The difference is freedom. The founders of our country decided to build it on the foundation of God and free will. We have fought for over 200 years to maintain that, not only for us but also for other nations and peoples of the world.

God also gives us the freedom to choose. He makes available for us a life of abundance and freedom. We can choose if we are going to accept that life. Jesus said…

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

Paul adds in Galations…

Galatians 5:1; It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 

Jesus came and gave His life as a sacrifice so that we could know the abundant and free life that God has offered us. Not unlike those who have fought and gave their lives for our country’s freedom so that we can enjoy an abundant and free life. For us to experience freedom it cost someone something.

Think of a race team. Some are funded well and some are run on a shoestring. It doesn’t matter; to be able to race someone pays. Someone’s hard work earns the money we receive to pay the cost of preparing the car and team to race. We experience the freedom to race because someone else paid the price. The situation is the same whether it is our hard work or someone else’s hard work, to race someone pays. Freedom isn’t free either.

For us to have freedom as a country many men and women paid with their very own lives. They made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of others. They gave their lives. Likewise, Jesus gave His life so that we might have life. 

John 3:16-17; “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Those lives that were given for us secured our freedom. Jesus Christ gave His life for us to save us from death and destruction. Let me ask a question, do you enjoy your freedom as an American? If you do take the time to say thank you to those who have made it possible.

Let me ask another, do you want to experience an abundant and free life that only comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior? He gave His life to give you that opportunity; accept it and free yourself from the burden of sin. 

Romans 10:9-10; NLT; If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

Enjoy the holiday weekend, but remember; freedom isn’t free. It cost someone, something. Be grateful there are those who are willing to pay the price for our nation’s freedom. Thank them. Salvation has a cost also; Jesus was willing to lay down His life to secure ours. Receive the gift God offers and the freedom it provides.

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.

Happy Fourth of July! Looking forward to the holiday weekend, but let’s remember to take some time to remember what it took for us to break away and become an independent nation. It took our willingness to work together, agree on one common purpose and sacrifice everything we had to make it work. Sound like a race team?

Racing, in many ways, reflects the same character it took our great nation to break free from England.  We first and foremost need to have a common goal. In most cases that is winning. When everyone is committed to making that happen the team starts to gel and become a cohesive unit. The chemistry is right. We all do our part for the good of the team.

What separates the best teams from the rest? The ability to work together, do what needs to be done and not pick apart the work of others on the team. Think of the teams that are always on the top. They are prepared to race; everyone has a job and does it. They can depend on each member to pull their weight. The end result can be a championship, or two. 

When we develop the trust in one another, learn what our task is and focus on doing that, we will succeed. When we are more concerned about nit picking and finger pointing, we do not succeed. Let me ask a question, are we dependable? Can people depend on us to do what we are supposed to do? Are we doing what we were created to do?

That last question may seem a little out of place on a race team. You may be asking the question, was I created to be a tire specialist? Yes, God created each one of us unique and equipped each one of us with special talents. What would happen if the tire guy wanted to drive or tune the engine? The members of the team would be out of place. If you are the tire guy, be the best tire guy possible. Let me explain.

Paul wrote about the topic, one body, many parts, let’s read what he says;

1 Corinthians 12:12-26: The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

    Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

   The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

God created us to be different and unique. He gave each of us a task to do and put in each of us the necessary abilities to accomplish those tasks. If we seek God out and ask Him to show us the tasks He wants us to accomplish, He will. This is called being in God’s will. Ephesians 2:10 confirms that for us.

Ephesians 2:10; NLT; For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

The blessing we receive from being in God’s will is tremendous. It includes inner peace, joy, satisfaction, fulfillment and hope. Take a look inside our heart. Do we have those blessings there?

God didn’t create us as Lone Rangers. We were created to depend on one another. We will never experience the fullness of God’s blessing if we live life alone. Yes, there are times to be alone, but God created life to be lived together, depending on each other and helping one another.

The United States of America exists today because we learned and practiced that. Race teams win championships because they practice that. You too can have that in your life. First, seek God out and ask for His presence in your life. He will come and show you the way. The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us;

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12; Two are better than one,

    because they have a good return for their work:

   If one falls down, his friend can help him up.

  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

I encourage you to find your place in God’s Kingdom and seek His will for your life.   Find those who you can depend on, those who help make you the person you need to be.  Accept God’s will for your life and seek to please him. 

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.

Dependence is a word we find in the thought of Independence. Independence implies we are on our own, without need of help or assistance. It implies that we do not need anyone or anything to tell us what to do, where to go and how to behave. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are not wired to be independent.

Think about it; are we truly independent? If we take a look at history, what really happened on Independence Day was a group of people banded together and relied on each other for the strength to declare their independence from British rule. Without the support of each other they would not have been able to achieve success. They were willing to lay down their lives to secure that freedom and today we still demonstrate that willingness.

We sometimes confuse the meaning of the term independence. What does it take to be truly independent? You must divorce yourself from everyone and everything. In society we have a term for that type of person, a loner, someone who prefers to be alone. I am not sure that is how God created us to be.

Look at our race teams. How many of us could race without a team? I’ve seen some try, but any help they receive is greatly appreciated and welcomed. There are times when they need someone to help. They at least need a gopher. Take a look around the shop and the pit area and write a list of all the things that need to be done. That is a mighty undertaking to go it alone. 

Look at our lives. How many of us spend our time completely alone? We don’t. We spend it with family and/or friends. If we don’t have any we go out and look for some. We spend a large part of our time searching for people to be with. We are people who enjoy being around other people.

I think of Cheers, a place where everyone knows your name. That was a pretty eclectic bunch, and each one had their issues. But they tolerated their differences for the opportunity to be together. It rings out in my head as I remember; “Norm!” When the band is all together things are normal, but not until we are all here. What’s our norm?

We surround ourselves with people. We enjoy their company. We cannot live without it. One of the secrets to life is our interdependence on each other. The Body of Christ, those who belong to Christ through the acceptance of His sacrifice, is made up of people who depend on each other. Paul writes;

1 Corinthians 12:12-20; The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 

Our lives are enhanced when we share them with others. When we come together, we can build a life that reflects the love that God has for each of us. The question might be asked, how does this affect me? How does my life affect those around me? Am I a functioning part of the body or do I need some physical therapy to straighten things out? 

Let me suggest first looking around at the people we spend your time with. Do we add or subtract from these relationships? Are people better for knowing us or do they run the other way when they see you coming? Do people seek us out when they need help, support and guidance in their lives? 

Jesus lived his life as an example for us. People sought Him out because they knew their life would be better if they listened to Him. If you examine Scripture no one who sought Jesus out was turned away. It didn’t matter what their social or economic situation was, Jesus made time for them. In Scripture we learn that when people came face to face with the living God, they never left the same way they came. Jesus changed them completely, spiritually, mentally and physically. 

Let us ask ourselves, do people see Jesus in us? If they do, they will seek us out when their lives are not what they should be. It is in this process where we become interdependent. Our lives depend on those around us and their lives depend on us. So much is riding on the way we live; we should live in a way that is right. Paul writes in Philippians 2:5 that our attitude should be the same as Jesus’.

That is a great goal, but most of us fall short. We give in to our selfish desires and put the concerns of others secondary to what we want. To overcome this we need to be accountable to someone. Who are we accountable to? 

We need to find ourselves a faithful friend, one we can trust. One who cares enough about us to tell us the truth. With such a friend we can improve our walk tremendously. We will succeed more than we fail. And when we fail, we will have someone there to stand beside us and help us get back on track.

The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us; 

Ecclesiastes in 4:9-10,12; “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! …. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

It is good to be dependent on someone and have someone depend on you. It is the basis on which strong fulfilling lives are built. Build your life on the foundation that will not only help you, but will help those who depend on you. Our ability to live a life that brings Glory to God is dependent on those around us.  

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.

Freedom Isn’t Free is the title of a poem written to recall the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the giving of their lives. Their willingness to give secures to this day our freedom; freedom to do what we enjoy, racing.

Recently we experienced the loss of that freedom. We went through a time where our freedoms were restricted. We got a glimpse of what this country would look like if we weren’t free? On any given weekend we could choose where we go to watch a race. We could choose where to race. That was taken away. Our freedom of choice was taken away. That is not something to take lightly.

Think of a race team. Some are funded well, others run on a shoestring. It doesn’t matter; to be able to race someone pays. Someone’s hard work earns the money to pay the cost of preparing the car and team to race. We experience the freedom to race because someone paid the price. The situation is the same whether it is our hard work or someone else’s hard work, to race someone pays. Freedom to race isn’t free either.

Think of all the choices we can make in our life and then think of some of the other nations in the world who don’t have the same option. The difference is freedom. The founders of our country decided to build it on the foundation of God and free will. We fight to maintain that, not only for us but also for other nations and peoples of the world.

God also gives us freedom, freedom to choose. He makes available for us a life of abundance and freedom. We can choose to accept that life. Jesus said…

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

Jesus came and gave His life as a sacrifice so that we could know the abundant and free life that God has offered us. Not unlike those who have fought and gave their lives for our country’s freedom. Why? So that we can enjoy an abundant and free life. For us to experience freedom it cost someone something.

In Acts 2 Peter reminds us;

Act 2: 14b; NLT; …“Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.”

Acts 2:21; NLT; … everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Acts 2:22-24; NLT; “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.

Acts 2:36; NLT; “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

For us to have freedom as a country many men and women paid with their very own lives. They made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of others. They gave their lives. Likewise, Jesus gave His life so that we might have life. 

John 3:16-17; “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Those lives that were given for us secured our freedom. Jesus Christ gave His life to save us from death and destruction. Let me ask a question, do you enjoy your freedom as an American? If you do take the time to say thank you and honor those who have made it possible.

Let me ask another, do you want to experience an abundant and free life that only comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior? He gave His life to give you that opportunity, accept it and free yourself from the burden of sin. 

Freedom isn’t free. It cost someone, something. Be thankful there are those who are willing to pay the price for our freedom. 

What should we do? First, if we haven’t received Jesus as both Lord and Savior of your life you need to address that and ask Him to come into your life and forgive you. If Jesus is Lord and Savior of your life, we should proclaim the gospel and let God move the hearts of those who hear so they can have the freedom in Christ that we have.

I Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.

Memorial Day has been celebrated in this country in some form or another, since just after the Civil War. Officially the last Monday of May came to be the national holiday in 1971. The history around the holiday is important to remember. It’s not just another 3 day weekend and it’s not the “unofficial” start of summer. It is a day to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

One of the official definitions of sacrifice is “an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.” The Old Testament shows the sacrifices that people had to make for their wrongdoings. All of these paled in comparison to the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us. When we look at the definition and what Christ did for us we see that he valued us so much that he was willing to lay down his life. Before he gave his life upon the cross he said this to his close circle of friends:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13 ESV

Christ considers us friends when we enter into a relationship with him. We need to look to Christ with gratitude for the sacrifice made on the cross. A sacrifice that no one before Him could do and no one after will have to do. It was the ultimate sacrifice.

When we think of our freedoms in this country let us not forget the over 1.3 million lives have been lost in combat since the Revolutionary War. While compared to the total population over the course of that time, the percentage is small but the cost was high. Fathers, sons, mothers, and daughters gave all for us.

During the last two months many of us have bemoaned the fact that we’ve been stuck inside without much freedom. We’ve lost our ability to go to the racetrack, to work, and to church. What if we looked at things through a different lens? Let’s instead focus on the good that we have had in extra time with our families. There are many wives and mothers that would love just a few more moments with their fallen soldier.

Things this Memorial Day was a little different. Many parades and ceremonies are canceled or postponed and at the same time many churches still aren’t gathering in groups either. In both cases, we can still remember the sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of our soldiers. Take some time to reflect over the next week on how free we are because of the sacrifices of others.

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.

When a racecar is “free”, it’s on the edge of being out of control. It’s also usually fast. The driver is trying to control it in such a way to get everything out of the car that he can. As the race goes on and the car tightens up, the grip goes away, and the driver often has to adjust their line and the lap times get slower. In our lives, we also need to adjust our expectations to the freedoms that come and go in different situations. We also need to use the freedoms we have wisely.

Freedom is something we often take for granted in our country. Our ability to move freely and unhindered gives us the opportunity to see amazing things around the country. As we have seen recently, this freedom can vanish quickly. That is when we need to look at where true freedom lies: in Christ alone. Christ desires that we be free, but what does that mean?

John 8:31-32 NIV “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”

This statement confused the people of the time because they weren’t enslaved to anyone. We also don’t think of ourselves as slaves or being imprisoned. However, when we think about our wrongdoings we can become captive to them. Our sin makes us slaves and only Jesus Christ can set us free from that. When our thoughts and desires are on what we think is best for us, we aren’t free to live in the way God intended us to live.

The Apostle Paul speaks of freedom quite often in his letters. Ironically, Paul often wrote of freedom in Christ from a prison cell. He knew that freedom existed even when in chains. To the people of Corinth he wrote “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV. This was so important Paul repeated it in his letter to the Galatians. God is in control and there is freedom in seeking His will.

Are you captivated by the thoughts about what is happening in the world right now? It’s easy to get caught up in news reports, closures, and postponements. In these times many people feel out of control, uncertain, anxious, and downright depressed. It’s easy to feel like we aren’t very free right now. However, when we consider what Christ has done for us, our situation doesn’t look as bleak. Christ has given us a freedom in Him that can be a comfort both now and in the future regardless of circumstances.

Romans 8:1-2 NIV “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

All of our sin and wrongdoing was nailed to the cross with Jesus. He took our punishment so we are not condemned, but pardoned, and set free. When we acknowledge the gift we were given in Jesus, we will see all that God has in store for us that is good. He calls us to live a life that isn’t focused on ourselves, but rather a life serving and helping others.

1 Peter 2:16 ESV “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God”

Over the next few weeks, as restrictions continue to be lifted, I urge each of you to reach out to someone and give them a word of encouragement. Use the freedom of a phone call, a text message, or even a letter to let someone know you’ve been thinking about them during your time apart. Even a quick drive-by and a shout from your car window can bring a smile to someone’s face. Use the freedom you do have to do good. I’ll close with the words of Jesus in John 8:36 ESV “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.

With each beginning comes an end, there is a green flag that is followed by a checkered one. So life goes, what is begun has to be finished. As Jesus hung on the cross, what He came to do was done, He made atonement for us. He pronounced it finished.

John 19:30; When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Christ came and gave his life for us, he bore the weight of our sin and reconciled each one for us to God. He came to save our souls from eternal separation from God and that is what he accomplished. He gave us the freedom of forgiveness. John writes;

John 3:16-17, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

We also come to this part of our study at an opportune time to remember those who have given so much for the freedom we enjoy in America. As we look ahead to celebrate Memorial Day. We remember those who have given everything they had for our freedom.

I am reminded of the poem “Freedom isn’t Free”. It helps us to recall the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the giving of their lives. Their willingness to give secures, to this day, our freedom. Freedom to do what we enjoy, racing.

I was thinking the other day what would this country look like if we weren’t free? Would there even be racing, as we know it. On any given weekend I can choose where I go to watch a race. You can choose where to race. If you don’t like going to a certain track you can choose another. We have the freedom of choice. That is not something to take lightly.

Stop and think of all the choices we can make in our life and then think of some of the other nations in the world who don’t have the same option. The difference is freedom. The founders of our country decided to organize this nation on the foundation of God and freedom of choice. We have fought for over 200 years to maintain that, not only for us but also for other nations and peoples of the world.

As we close out our series on the words of Christ from the cross I wanted to note a few parallels, seven statements, seven days in creation. Also note on the seventh day it was time to stop and rest. Christ finished his work and then went home to be with God. His last statement from the cross can be summed up like this, Dad, I’m coming home.

Luke 23:44-46, It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Jesus finished what he came to Earth to do and now was the time to return home. He was placed in a grave for three days and on the third day rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He had provided a means for the people of the world to save themselves.

Jesus Christ gave His life for us, to save us from death and destruction. Do you want to experience an abundant and free life that only comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior? He gave His life to give you that opportunity, accept it and free yourself from the burden of sin. 

Freedom isn’t free. It cost someone, something. Be thankful there are those who are willing to pay the price for our freedom. Thank them.

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.

Every day in every corner of the world men and women have set their lives aside to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have put their families on hold. They have missed birthdays, weddings, births and deaths. Why, to serve us. Many have laid down their life for us. They defended our right to freedom;  defended our right to go to the track of our choice and enjoy racing; defended our right to say whatever we want; defended our right to protest; defended our right to vote and have a say in how this country is run. America is still the greatest nation on the earth because of these men and women. People from around the world still want to come here because of the freedoms we enjoy. We need to appreciate what we have been given and recognize those who sacrifice in service to maintain it. Don’t be guilty of complacency; let them know you are thankful for their sacrifice.

Galatians 5:13-14, (NLT), For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

One of the basic concepts of life is give and take. Life is much more rewarding and fulfilling when we learn the balance of giving and taking. When our life seems out of control, it can be traced to giving and taking being out of balance. We are either taking too much or giving too much. You can decide which one you are prone to do.

Think about it in racing terms, when we have a race with some give and take the racing is better. When someone is out there and all they’re doing is taking, the racing gets heated and contentious. The other drivers are frustrated and the results are not the best. Conversely, when all someone does is pull over and let everyone pass the racing isn’t very exciting either. When there is a balance there is better racing.

The concept of giving one’s life for the benefit of others is not new. This is the greatest gift someone can give. The problem arises when we take it for granted. When we do not remember to acknowledge that sacrifice we become the takers. We instead should be motivated to give because of the opportunity we have been received.

Think about times in your life when you have been given something, something of great value. If your first feeling is that you don’t deserve it; that is good. Then if you are motivated to give back, that is great. It is when we have the attitude that we deserved it that we falter. Compassion has its roots in our willingness to give when we have been provided for.

Our country is based on the right response to the gift of freedom provided by those who have laid down their lives for us. If we respond with an attitude that we deserve this we are wrong. The right response is to express a deep appreciation to those who have given so much. This appreciation should motivate us to give as we have been given to.

God gave us the opportunity to overcome our shortcomings. He loved us and didn’t want us to live our lives in vain, separated from His guidance and wisdom. He provided a way for us to receive forgiveness. Out of love for us, He provided Jesus.

John 3:16-18, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

As you read these verses you can see how the proper response is one of believing and accepting this gift. Without a proper response to the gift we have been given we condemn ourselves to living life and eternity separated from God.

I would encourage you to develop the right spirit in your heart. Recognize the gift of freedom we have been given by those who have laid down their lives for us. Go out this weekend and drive through a cemetery, look at the American Flags that adorn the graves of the veterans who have paid the ultimate price. Take a moment to say thank you and pray for the family that lost this person. Let them know that you appreciate their sacrifice.

Likewise, remember the gift of forgiveness that has been provided to us by God, and say thank you to Him. Let Him know how much you appreciate His sacrifice for our freedom from the consequences of sin.

After we have said our thanks, commit to live a life that demonstrates that appreciation. Live like you have been given a tremendous gift, the gift of freedom to live.

1Peter 3:8-12,  Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  For,

  “Whoever would love life

    and see good days

  must keep his tongue from evil

    and his lips from deceitful speech.

   He must turn from evil and do good;

    he must seek peace and pursue it.

  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,

  but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.