Luke 24:1-8, On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ “Then they remembered his words.

Why do we look for the living among the dead? A good question; why do we continue to search for the meaning of life among things of the world that will lead us to death? We all want to live life to the fullest. We all want everything life has to offer. We all want, but are we wanting the right thing? Listen to what David wrote in Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.

Is Jesus Enough? Is He everything you need? Can He provide everything we need? YES!

Let me ask the question, are you living or surviving? Most people I know are just trying to get by. They are just trying to make ends meet. They work from one paycheck to the next hoping that nothing happens that will upset the delicate balance of their lives. 

We know that is false hope. We know that life is full of circumstances that can put us into a tailspin in a moment’s notice. What we fail to realize is that we have made the choices that put us in those circumstances. We are the ones that guide and direct the things we do. We are responsible. 

It doesn’t have to be that way. God provides guidance for us. God promised to care for us and provide for us. God also gave us a free will to choose. We decide and God honors our decision. Which way should we choose? Which way leads to the best life? Which way leads to life everlasting?

Let’s explore that a little. Who should know best how to live the best life possible? The creator of life Himself, God. When our car is broken, we don’t bring it to our lawyer. When our taxes need to be done, we don’t bring them to our mechanic. When we want to live an abundant life, we need to go to the source, God. He alone can provide what we need. He alone will guide us in the right direction. He alone cares enough to give His life for us. 

Romans 5:6-11; When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.  So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Ask yourself, what am I willing to die for? Remember Christ was willing to die for us. However, he not only died for us, but he rose again, victorious over death. He offers us forgiveness and life everlasting and He demonstrated to us that He has control over those things. 

What one thing do we fear the most? Death. We fear not being here anymore. We fear our loved ones not being here with us. Christ offers victory over death. He is ALIVE!

As you celebrate Easter this week, think about God’s love for you. He loved you so much that He sent His son who gave His life for you, not to condemn you but to save you. You will find that promise in John’s Gospel, chapter 3:16-17. 

Johns 3:16-17; NLT; “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge (condemn) the world, but to save the world through him.

Truly celebrate this Easter with a new life, one provided for us by Jesus, His death and resurrection. I leave you with these words from the Hymn “Because He lives”, William and Gloria Gaither, God Bless.

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus

He came to love, heal, and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

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 helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.

As we prepare for the Celebration of the Resurrection, Easter Sunday, we first have to recognize that Jesus was willing to follow through with the plan. He made a commitment to his Father that he would follow through. When it came time for the plan to be complete, the cost was high, the suffering was great, the road was difficult to walk. I am thankful that Jesus walked the road that led to the cross.

Luke 22:42, NLT, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

I think we see the least loyalty in the world of sports as it relates to teams and players. For the sake of money, wins and egos; players, teams and franchises change location. I still do not think the Indianapolis Colts should be allowed to use that name. And what about the NBA, the Lakers in LA? Do you know they were called the Lakers because they were originally located in Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes? And don’t get me started on the Dodgers, Giants or Braves!

There are many examples of franchises switching horses for the sake of a better deal. Don’t get me wrong, I think we all need to make the changes necessary for us to be the best we can be, but let’s not just jump ship on a whim. God has put a plan in place for our lives and if we deviate from the course because we see greener pastures then we will miss the blessing that perseverance brings. 

Charles Schultz once wrote, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence until you get over there and discover it is artificial turf.”

Racing is no better than other sports, things change every year, we call it silly season. Race fans are pretty tolerant though; they get a new wardrobe every year. As sponsors change, colors change, styles change. We don’t have to worry about something wearing out, before it can wear out the driver, team or track has a different sponsor. Be honest now, how many of you have a T-shirt in the drawer that you haven’t worn because the sponsor changed before you could wear it?

One of the things that I miss, and I am sure I am not alone, are things you can count on. Things that will always be there no matter what tomorrow brings. I am a big fan of those who have stood by their commitments, allowed themselves to be held accountable to the promises they made and persevere through the challenges to reap the blessings that come from a hard road traveled. Jesus would be the one I turn to for that example. 

Philippians 2:3-11; Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

We have lost something very valuable in our society; our word. A contract, written or spoken, means nothing. If the tables turn and things are not going in our favor, we just walk away. There is much to be said for those who persevere through the challenges; they will see the blessings of God.

Think about Christ and the plan for his life. Jesus; the one who through which everything was created, set that aside, came into the world as a baby, allowed himself to be raised by a family and when he was thirty three he would die a horrific death at the hands of the people he came to save. I am reminded of the poem, One Solitary Life;

He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. 

He grew up in another village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was 30. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.

He never wrote a book. 

He never held an office. 

He never had a family or owned a house. 

He didn’t go to college. 

He never traveled more than 200 miles from the place He was born. 

He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness. 

He had no credentials but Himself. 

He was only 33 when public opinion turned against Him. 

His friends deserted Him. 

He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. 

He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. 

When He was dying, His executioners gambled for His clothing, the only property He had; on earth. 

When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. 

Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race, the leader of mankind’s progress. 

All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on earth as much as that One Solitary Life. 

Jesus fulfilled the plan of His Father, He persevered through the challenges; physical, mental and spiritual, He ran the good race, He finished the course, and He is seated at the right hand of God. He intercedes for us for the forgiveness of our sins. He is our Hope and Salvation.

As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection remember that before there could be a resurrection someone had to be willing to walk through the valley of death. Someone had to persevere through the challenges. Someone had to follow through and walk down the road that led to death, death on a cross.

We must willingly allow ourselves to be held accountable to the commitment we made before God. To be held accountable to living a life that honors God, no matter where that road leads. We cannot allow ourselves to be led away from God just because we think there is an easier way. We must persevere.

Find yourself a good friend who knows you well. If you do not have one, start building a relationship with someone. When you have someone to walk by your side, help you maintain your focus on Christ, correct your steps when they stray and pick you up when you fall, you will find it much easier to honor God with your life. It may not always be comfortable, but it will always be worth the effort.

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 helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.

Luke 24:1-8, On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.

Why do we look for the living among the dead? A good question; why do we continue to search for the meaning of life among things of the world that will lead us to death? We all want to live life to the fullest. We all want everything life has to offer. We all want. But we pursue things that won’t last.

Matthew 6:19-21; NLT; “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

This question is asked in God’s Word about the activities and life we live. When we pursue things that will rot, rust and decay we lose sight of the things in life that are truly valuable, the lives of others. Relationships are what is important. First and foremost, our relationship with Jesus. Then our relationship with others. We would do well to focus our time on building our relationship with God, through Jesus and then extending the understanding we receive to others. That is the best thing we can pursue.

Think about the people in your life that hold a special place in your heart. They are the ones who demonstrated how much they cared for you. They are the ones who were patient and gracious. They taught us, they helped when we failed. They walked alongside us to hold us up. They picked us up, dusted us off and encouraged us to keep trying.

David wrote in Psalm 23 about his relationship with God. He had figured out God was all he needed.

Psalm 23:1; NLT; The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.

Is Jesus Enough? Is He everything you need? Can He provide everything we need? YES!

Let me ask the question, are you living or surviving? Many people I know are just trying to get by. They are just trying to make ends meet. They work from one paycheck to the next hoping that nothing happens that will upset the delicate balance of their lives. 

We know that is false hope. We know that life is full of circumstances that can put us into a tailspin in a moment’s notice. What we fail to realize is that we have made the choices that put us in those circumstances. We are the ones that guide and direct the things we do. We are responsible for pursuing things that are not beneficial, fulfilling or satisfying.

It doesn’t have to be that way. God provided guidance for us. God promised to care for us and provide for us. His provision is available, the choice is ours. God gave us a free will to choose. We decide and God honors our decision. Which way should we choose? Which way leads to the best life? Which way leads to life everlasting?

Let’s explore that a little. Who should know best how to live the best life possible? The creator of life Himself, God. When our car is broke, we don’t bring it to our lawyer. When our taxes need to be done, we don’t bring them to our mechanic. When we want to live an abundant life, we need to go to the source, God. He alone can provide what we need. He alone will guide us in the right direction. He alone cares enough to give His life for us. 

Ask yourself, what am I willing to die for? Remember Christ was willing to die for us. However, he not only died for us but he rose again, victorious over death. He offers us forgiveness and life everlasting. He demonstrated to us that He has control over those things. 

What one thing do we fear the most? Death. We fear not being here anymore. We fear our loved ones not being here with us. Christ offers victory over death. He is ALIVE!

As you celebrate Easter this week, think about God’s love for you. He loved you so much that He sent His son who gave His life for you, not to condemn you but to save you. You will find that promise in John’s Gospel, chapter three, verse 16-17. 

John 3:16-17; NIV; 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.

Truly celebrate this Easter with a new life, one provided for you by Jesus and His death and resurrection. I leave you with these words from the Hymn “Because He lives” God Bless.

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus

He came to love, heal, and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

~ William and Gloria Gaither ~

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.

Racing is about the journey, the road work. As we travel, we reminisce about how many miles, how many roads, and how many races we have been to together. We look back and remember the old days, where we started and how the journey has gone. With a smile and a laugh, do you remember the time….? 

I remember the joy and smiles I see on the faces of those who tell the stories of the “Glory Days” of racing. It is interesting how every story has a happy ending. I guess we forget the ones that didn’t end so well. Racing is full of stories and storytellers. The older we get, it seems, the bigger the story gets. Sometimes it grows to legend status. One of my all-time favorites comes from Dion Brothers Racing.

Dave starts it with that ever-present smile; Do you remember the time the car was so smashed we didn’t know if we could straighten it out? We brought it back to the shop, cut, welded, measured and got it close. Then we took that thirteen-year-old chassis out and won at Oxford Plains! I guess we got it right! I guess we showed them!

What separates truth from fiction? What do we believe and what do we discount as fables? Sometimes things are not what they seem; the story seems too far-fetched to believe. How can we understand something we have never seen, let alone believe it?

How many of us have seen someone raised from the dead? How hard would it be for us to believe it? Think of the Disciples; Christ gave them an example with Lazarus, as John records for us in his Gospel, yet they still found it hard to believe.

The evidence is overwhelming; Christ appeared to over five hundred people after his resurrection over forty days. Many times the crowds included those who were against him and didn’t want to acknowledge His resurrection. That is a lot of eyewitness testimony! The fact remains, the tomb is empty; He’s not there. 

Luke 24:5: NLT; The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?

Such an interesting question the Angels posed to the women that came to the tomb. Why do we look for life in things that will only lead to death? Many times in our lives we focus on attaining something. We are taught to set goals and we focus on attaining those goals. But I wonder, how much do we sacrifice on our way to getting someplace? How much do we miss because our focus is on the wrong things?

Luke 24:13-16; On the Road to Emmaus

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

That same day (resurrection day), Jesus was walking along with two of His followers, yet they did not recognize Him. They were so focused on the disappointment of watching Him die they failed to remember that He would rise again and have victory over death.

I ask myself; would I recognize Jesus if he was standing next to me? I think of people I have met along the road, they remember me, but I have trouble remembering them. Something needs to jog my memory, a story, an experience, something. Then the light goes on and I remember.

Luke 24 17-19; He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.

The lesson for us as we travel along the road is to adjust our focus. Too many times we are focused on the destination and we lose sight of the people we encounter along the way. We can get so caught up in our own little world that we forget about the world around us.

Jesus refocused their attention along the road, hoping they would realize the truth he had spoken to them just a few short days before. Yes, it may have seemed like an unbelievable story, but the fact remained there was Jesus, walking alongside them, and they didn’t notice.

Some of us need to see to believe. Some of us do not believe anything we cannot reach out and touch. But sometimes the proof is right there for us and we still have trouble believing it. The presence of God in our life is life changing. You may not see it, or even realize it is there, but let me assure you He is walking right alongside. If you need proof, ask someone who has received forgiveness from God through Jesus Christ. 

As we walk down the road of life we need someone by our side. Jesus is willing to walk alongside and guide us along the right path. But He won’t do it without us asking. He is waiting for us to seek Him out and ask Him to reveal the truth to us, to reveal himself to us. 

Christ revealed Himself to us in His resurrected form. He wanted to make sure we knew He had victory over death. He spoke with us, ate with us, let us inspect his wounds. He made sure there were no questions, Christ is Alive! He offers that life to us. He invites us to join him on the road of life.

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.

Luke 24:1-8, On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ “ Then they remembered his words.

Why do we look for the living among the dead? A good question; why do we continue to search for the meaning of life among things of the world that will lead us to death? We all want to live life to the fullest. We all want everything life has to offer. We all want. Listen to what David wrote in Psalm 23

Psalm 23:1-3b; NLT; 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. He guides me along right paths, …

Is Jesus Enough? Is He everything we need? Can He provide everything we need? YES! He provides rest, peace, strength, guidance, among other things.

Let me ask the question, are we living or surviving? Most people I know are just trying to get by. They are just trying to make ends meet. They work from one paycheck to the next hoping that nothing happens that will upset the delicate balance of their lives. 

We know that is false hope. We know that life is full of circumstances that can change things in a moment’s notice. What we fail to realize is, most times we have made the choices that put us in those circumstances. We are the ones that guide and direct the things we do. We are responsible. We add to that the pressure to figure out how to move forward. That can overwhelm us.

It doesn’t have to be that way. God provided guidance for us. God promised to care for us and provide for us. We have the choice as to whose directions we follow, God’s direction or ours. Now we don’t always understand God’s direction and that causes us to lean on our own understanding, but Scripture cautions us against that.

Proverbs 3:5-6; NLT; Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

God allows us the free will to choose. He doesn’t force us to see or do things His way. He invites us to follow Him. We decide and God honors our decision. Which way should we choose? Which way leads to the best life? Which way leads to life everlasting?

Let’s explore that a little. Who should know best how to live the best life possible? God; after all he is the creator of life. When our car is broken, we don’t bring it to our lawyer. When our taxes need to be done, we don’t bring them to our mechanic. When we want to live an abundant life, we need to go to the source, God. He alone can provide what we need. He alone will guide us in the right direction. He alone cares enough to give His life for us.

Ask yourself, what am I willing to die for? Remember Christ was willing to die for us. However, he not only died for us but he rose again, victorious over death. He offers us forgiveness and life everlasting and He demonstrated to us that He has control over those things. 

What one thing do we fear the most? Death. We fear not being here anymore. We fear our loved ones not being here with us. Christ offers victory over death. He is ALIVE!

As you celebrate Easter, think about God’s love for us. He created us. He loved us so much that He sent His son who gave His life for us, not to condemn you but to save us. You will find that promise in John’s Gospel, chapter three, verse 16-17. 

John 3:16-17; NIV; 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.

Truly celebrate this Easter with a new life, one provided for us by Jesus through His death and resurrection. I leave you with these words from the Hymn “Because He lives” God Bless.

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus

He came to love, heal, and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

~ William and Gloria Gaither ~

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.

As a pastor I begin the Easter Morning service by offering the children the best Easter egg they have ever seen. Each one received the plastic egg with the instructions not to open it until the end of the service. They held on to them with the assurance that what was inside was going to be great. At the end of the service each one would open their egg and find them empty. They would ask me “what is so great about an empty egg?” I would then help them to understand the meaning of empty.

In racing, empty has its own meaning, it means nothing. When you go out, run the race and come up empty it means you didn’t win anything. When you hear the word you think that something is wrong or missing. That is not the same with Christ; empty means hope, salvation, and victory over death.

Let’s explore that a little. A few things had to happen to make Easter possible. First Jesus had to come to Earth in the form of a man. Scripture puts it this way;

Philippians 2:6-8 (Jesus) who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Before Jesus could come to Earth he had to set some of His privileges of being God aside. He had to empty himself out. Think of it like going to prison. I hope none of you have experienced this, but if you have you know what I am speaking of. You have to remove everything and surrender everything to the guards. They give you new clothes to wear and hold on to your personal belongings until you are set free again.

It was the same for Jesus; He imprisoned Himself in the form of a human and set aside His attributes as God for our sake. He became a slave for us. He didn’t demand his rights as the Son of God; He set those rights aside so that we could be free. He emptied himself.

Have we emptied ourself for someone else? Do we understand what that means? When was the last time it didn’t matter what we wanted but it mattered what someone else needed more? When was the last time we let something go and didn’t demand our rights or to be treated fairly?

Do you know why some drivers are so well liked? They are appreciative of the chance they have been given. They don’t think they deserved it but are glad to have the opportunity. They are willing to do whatever it takes to honor those who gave it to them. We like that about them.

Jesus emptied himself out so that we would have the opportunity to be free from the bondage of sin. He gave us the right to be called children of God. He came, gave His life and rose from the dead, victorious over death so that we could be free.

 How free are we today? Do we have freedom in Christ? He made it available for us.

To come to Earth, Jesus had to empty Himself, to return to heaven, He had to empty the tomb. Do you know what separates Christianity from every other religion? An empty tomb. Other religions point to a founder whose grave and remains can be located and identified. We know where Christ was laid to rest but the place is still empty. He is alive. He has victory over death. He offers the same to us.

Death could not hold Christ and it should not hold us. One of our biggest fears in life is death. We know the odds, 100% of us will die. Why then, if it is a foregone conclusion, does it make us so fearful? I think it is fear of the unknown. We fear what we don’t know and try desperately to hold onto what we do know; regardless of it is the best for us or not.

Christ went to the grave and overcame death so that our fear could be removed. He put it this way;

John 14:1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus prepares a place for us beyond death. A place that is better than the one we know, a place in heaven. Think of it this way, God created everything we have here. Look at all we have done to spoil it. How much better will heaven be if it is unspoiled? I can’t wait. There is work to be done before we get there though.

Do you remember the children holding the eggs? Now open them and what do you find? They are empty, yet they are full. They are full of life, full of hope, full of peace and full of love. In their emptiness we find everything we need to know God. Jesus emptied Himself for you and me. He conquered death for you and me. He is waiting for our response.

How will we respond this Easter? Will we empty ourselves, move beyond our wants and desires? Will we accept the offer Christ makes and fill ourselves with His Spirit? Will we be the ones to go and bring the message of the empty tomb to others; the message of Hope, Peace and Love? 

Christ emptied Himself for us, now we need to empty ourselves for Him. 

John 10:10; NLT; The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

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.

North Wilkesboro Speedway has risen from the ashes and been brought roaring back to life. An interesting side note, it was North Wilkesboro’s closing that provided New Hampshire Motor Speedway with a Cup date. I visited the track while it laid dormant. It was neat to relive the memories; most everything was as it was left when it closed. The billboards, the paint, looked like something that hadn’t been touched in many years. 

There she sat, looking like a grey ghost, silently reflecting the past, a bygone era of when short tracks dominated the racing world. It is curious how we remember things when we look back. Things in our mind are bigger than life. 

As I sat there gazing at the skeleton of the glory that once was; I could imagine in my mind the noise of the cars, the crowds of people, all the sights and sounds of race day. There had been talk of bringing her back. There had been efforts to get the ball rolling. The question asked; wouldn’t it be cool to run here again? 

That day came to be. Through the work of so many and the efforts and labors birthed in the desires to return to a simpler time and just race! Seems there were more than a few folks who wanted to relive the glory days of short track racing. The mighty modifieds opened the show and packed the house. Fitting that it was the mighty modifieds returning North Wilkesboro to her former glory. It was these same modifieds that got this stock car racing thing going in the first place. 

Revival is an interesting endeavor. Before anything can happen, someone needs to see value in what is to be revived. It takes a special eye to see value in the ruins of yesterday. Most of us just pass by and conclude it is not worth the effort. 

Ezekiel 37:1-3; The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?”

God asked Ezekiel an interesting question. Much like the question many asked about North Wilkesboro, can life be breathed back into something so dead? Ezekiel answered that only God knew if they could live. God instructed Ezekiel to speak.

Ezekiel 37:4; Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord!

I encourage you to read the entire passage, Ezekiel 37:1-15, you will find the valley of dry bones became a great army, the nation of Israel, restored to their lands and former glory. All because of the Word of the Lord.

Let’s put a different face on revival; what if it is a person? How do we handle it when we know someone who is in need of a fresh start, a do over, a clean slate? Revive, refresh and renew, the re’s of a new beginning.

Re is a prefix that indicates we need to do it again. I am glad God is patient with me and allows me to start over with a clean slate each time I fall short. Revival begins with listening to the word of the Lord. Much like the builders we talked about last week, to withstand the storm we need to follow the instructions of the Lord.

But what about the other guy? Is there any hope for him? Here he is sitting on the ground, his life destroyed all around him. Does he have hope? Yes!

Ezekiel 37:4; Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord!

Jesus welcomes anyone no matter what their past looks like. He doesn’t require anything from us other than to accept His gift of grace. Come as you are, even if we are just dried up bones, and he will breathe life into us.

Mathew 11:28-30; 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 at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

John 10:10; The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Revival is available and necessary for us to experience the blessing God has for us. He didn’t intend for this life to be a burden. With his presence in our lives, we are able to withstand the storms and still be standing. He provides for all our needs.

Psalm 23:1-3; 1The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.

Let’s set our focus on revival, listen to the words of the Lord, follow His guidance and instruction and let his blessing and provision take our life in a new direction.

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.

Have you ever been the benefit of a provisional? You know a guaranteed starting spot in the race. Makes the day a little easier at the track. Takes the pressure off to have a provisional to fall back on. A provisional is especially helpful when you are at a track that you don’t run too often.

Provisionals come in all shapes and sizes; promotors, past champions, sponsors, and track to name a few. They exist to provide a safety net of sorts. If through all the qualifying, heat races and dashes somehow the drivers the fans come to see don’t make the show a provisional helps.

If you give it some thought, a provisional is a way for the organizer of the race to make sure the drivers he promoted and invited have a place in the main event. It allows someone who didn’t qualify to participate. 

I’m sure you can recall races where the field has been extended beyond the advertised starting field to include all the cars that came to compete. That is another way that provides a place for those who want to be a part of things but wouldn’t be without that provision. We can make room for everyone.

Provision is a term that indicates someone is thinking of someone else’s needs and makes a way for them even if they don’t meet the standard set. Christ made that provision for us. Provision requires that we think of the needs of others and then put in place what is necessary to provide for them.

We can look at provision another way. Think of heading out on a trip. What do you pack? In general, you pack what you think you need. You think ahead and bring what you’ll need. Have you ever forgotten anything? 

I have one of those minds that tries to think of every possible scenario that might happen and bring everything I might possibly need. I don’t know if it’s the Boy Scout Be Prepared syndrome or I’m just a knucklehead, but I usually have way too much baggage. Oh, and I usually forget something basic, LOL. I’m glad there is a Walgreen’s in most places I go.

The Gospels tells us of the provision Christ makes for us. You may remember the story of Peter and his denial of knowing Christ on the night He was betrayed. Three times Peter was asked and three times he denied knowing Jesus. When he realized that he fell to his knees and wept bitterly. 

Luke 22:60-62; NLT; But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

As the events of Christ’s death and resurrection played out Peter was left with the guilt and shame of his denial. He watched, hopeless to change what he had done. As the hours passed the realization set in that he didn’t have the power and strength to save himself. He needed the provision of Christ. But how would he receive it? Christ was crucified.

Then on Resurrection morning the story came of the empty tomb. The men thought it nonsense when the women told them, but Peter was curious.

Luke 24:11-12; NLT; But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.

What happens when things don’t go the way we planned? We go back and try to figure out how to do things differently. We go back and try to figure out what went wrong. We try to figure out what we need to do to obtain a different result.

John 21:1-3; NLT; Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.

Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”

Peter may not have realized it but he was a leader. They fished all night and caught nothing. Imagine Peter’s thoughts; “I can’t even fish anymore!” But there on the shore was a provision. Jesus had prepared a fire, breakfast and was waiting for Peter and the others. He knew their needs and was there to meet them.

John 21: 12-14; NLT; “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.

As they finished up breakfast Jesus addressed Peter, He asked about Peter’s heart. He restored Peter one denial at a time, each with a command to take care of those that belong to Christ. Peter now understood his need for the provision Christ made. He would spend the rest of his day proclaiming that salvation is found in no one else. 

We each need to embrace the provision both physical and spiritual that Christ made for us, accept it and live as one who knows and honors God. Christ will meet us where we are, provide what we need and restore our soul. 

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.

We were back on the road this week. The dynamic duo, Don and Dan, traveling down a familiar road to Martinsville. As we traveled, we reminisced about how many miles, how many roads, and how many races we have been to together. We looked back and remembered the old days, where we started and how the journey has gone. With a smile and a laugh, do you remember the time….? 

I remember the joy and smiles I see on the faces of those who tell the stories of the “Glory Days” of racing. It is interesting how every story has a happy ending. I guess we forget the ones that don’t end so well. 

Do you remember the time the car was so smashed we didn’t know if we could straighten it out? We brought it back to the shop, cut, welded, measured, we got it close. Then we took that thirteen-year-old chassis out and won at Oxford Plains! I guess we got it right! I can still see the smile on Dave Dion’s face as he tells the story, I guess we showed them!

What separates truth from fiction? What do we believe and what do we discount as fable? Sometimes things are not what they seem; the story seems too farfetched to believe. How can we understand something we have never seen, let alone believe it?

How many of us have seen someone raised from the dead? How hard would it be for us to believe it? Think of the Disciples; Christ gave them an example with Lazarus, as John records for us in his Gospel, yet they still found it hard to believe.

The evidence is overwhelming; Christ appeared to over five hundred people after his resurrection over forty days. Many times the crowds included those who were against him and didn’t want to acknowledge His resurrection. If we listened for just 15 minutes to each person Christ appeared to after his resurrection it would take over five days. Five days of eyewitness testimony, 120 hours!

The fact remains, the tomb is empty; He’s not here. Why do we look for the living in the place of the dead?

Such an interesting question the Angels posed to the women that came to the tomb. Why do we look for life in things that will only lead to death?

Many times in our lives we focus on attaining something. We are taught to set goals and we focus on attaining those goals. But I wonder, how much life do we sacrifice on our way to getting someplace? How much do we miss because our focus is on the wrong things?

Luke 24:13-16; On the Road to Emmaus

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

That same day (resurrection day), Jesus was walking along with two of His disciples, yet they did not recognize Him. They were so focused on the disappointment of watching Him die they failed to understand that He would rise again and have victory over death.

I don’t think it is because they hadn’t seen it before; they were there when Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb after four days. I think it was just human nature, when we are disappointed we go into this shell of self-pity, what are we going to do now?

Luke 24 17-19; He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.

The lesson for us as we walk along the road is to adjust our focus. Too many times we are focused on the destination and we lose sight of the people we encounter along the way. We can get so caught up in our own little world that we forget about the world around us.

Jesus refocused their attention along the road, hoping they would realize the truth he had spoken to them just a few short days before. Yes, it may have seemed like a story too good to be true, but the fact remained there was Jesus, walking alongside them, and they didn’t notice.

Some of us need to see to believe. Some of us do not believe anything we cannot reach out and touch. But sometimes the proof is right there for us and we still have trouble believing it. Let me share with you the presence of God in your life is life changing. You may not see it, or even realize it is there, but let me assure you He is walking right alongside. If you need proof, ask someone who has received forgiveness from God through Jesus Christ. 

As we walk down the road of life we need someone by our side. Jesus is willing to walk alongside and guide us along the right path. But He won’t do it without our asking. He is waiting for us to seek Him out and ask Him to reveal the truth to us. There is no doubt that this story is true.

Christ revealed Himself to us in His resurrected form. He wanted to make sure we knew He had victory over death. He spoke with us, ate with us, let us inspect his wounds. He made sure there were no questions, He is Risen, He is Risen indeed!

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.

Luke 24:1-8, On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.

Why do we look for the living among the dead? A good question; why do we continue to search for the meaning of life among things of the world that will lead us to death? You’ve heard that “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” But what if it just drains us so much we don’t have the strength or desire to do anything.

During this last year we were put in a position to evaluate the things we were in the habit of doing. Some of us found life beyond our routine. We found things that were always there but we were too busy and focused on surviving to see them. We were given the blessing of a correction, slowing down and having time, as forced as it was, to look at what is truly important.

What did we find; time, family, rest? We all want to live life to the fullest. We all want everything life has to offer. We all want. Sometimes we get so caught up in wanting we forget about needs. Not necessarily our needs but the needs of those around us. I am thankful that God doesn’t forget our needs.

Listen to what David wrote in Psalm 23:1; NLT

The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. 

Is Jesus Enough? Is He everything we need? Can He provide everything we need? YES!

Let me ask the question, are you living or surviving? Most people I know are just trying to get by. They are just trying to make ends meet. They work from one paycheck to the next hoping that nothing happens that will upset the delicate balance of their lives. No one saw this last year coming and it upset the “balance” we thought we had.

It doesn’t have to be that way. God provided guidance for us. God promised to care for us and provide for us. God also gave us a free will to choose. We decide and God honors our decision. Which way should we choose? Which way leads to the best life? Which way leads to life everlasting?

Let’s explore that a little. Who should know best how to live the best life possible? The creator of life Himself, God. When our car is broke, we don’t bring it to our lawyer. When our taxes need to be done, we don’t bring them to our mechanic. When we want to live an abundant life, we need to go to the source, God. He alone can provide what we need. He alone will guide us in the right direction. He alone cares enough to give His life for us. 

How many times do we pursue, sacrifice and invest to get something we want only to attain and then end up not satisfied? Worse yet, to realize having it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and now you have to get rid of it! We can focus so much on what we want that what we need and what we have are afterthoughts. Truth is we don’t need much to have a fulfilling and satisfying life. We need Christ.

Ask yourself, what am I or who am I, willing to die for? Remember Christ was willing to die for you. However, he not only died for you but he rose again, victorious over death. He offers us forgiveness and life everlasting, eternity with Him in heaven. He demonstrated to us that He has control over those things, life and death.

What one thing do we fear the most? Death. We fear not being here anymore. We fear our loved ones not being here with us. That became all too clear with the fear and isolation that we have seen in the last year. Christ offers victory over death. He is ALIVE!

As we celebrate Easter this week, think about God’s love for us. He loved us so much that He sent His son who gave His life for us, not to condemn us but to save us. We find that promise in John’s Gospel, chapter three, verse 16-17. 

John 3:16-17; NLT; “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

Truly celebrate this Easter with a new life, one provided for you by Jesus and His death and resurrection. 

Romans 10:8b-10; NLT; And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 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.

I leave you with these words from the Hymn “Because He lives” God Bless.

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus

He came to love, heal, and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

~ William and Gloria Gaither ~

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.