Ahhhhh, summertime, brings back memories of when I was a kid. We ruled the world, went where we wanted, when we wanted and stayed as long as we wanted. As long as we had our bikes we were free. No school, no homework, free to do anything we wanted. For me growing up vacation time was the entire summer. I lived in a neighborhood with enough kids that there was always something going on. We had enough kids to play baseball, you could always find someone and something to do.

I do remember some of the summertime trips we took as a family, similar to those you have seen recorded in the movies. We would head north to Vermont to visit relatives and we had a lot of them! I enjoy remembering those trips. I went to one of my most memorable races on one of those trips, a race at Catamount Speedway. 

I wonder how many of you have plans to take a rest, to step out of the routine and recharge your batteries. It is something that is necessary. In fact, God commanded it. He said we need to do it every week.

Our racing calendar is full in the summertime. That is the time we have to race. But it struck me that if we don’t take time to get away and recharge our batteries we won’t have the energy we need to continue. We need to take some time away from racing and rest. I think you would be surprised how much it changes your perspective on things.

Did you know that God created us with a need to take a break once in a while and rest? In Scripture, it is called a Sabbath, from the Hebrew sabbat. Our word sabbatical comes from it and it means to rest, to take a break from labor. 

The reality is we all forget that we need to stop and rest. We get so involved in things we don’t see how they could continue if we took some time off. They will and if you don’t rest you will not be around long enough to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Balance is the key and when we balance our work with our rest we live life to the fullest.

When God created the world He did it in six days and on the seventh day he rested. God, the creator of everything, the one who possesses all power and authority, the one who breathes life into each one of us, rested. That speaks volumes to us about the necessity of resting, taking a break from our labor and changing our focus. If God rested, we need to rest also.

Racing isn’t resting, racing isn’t a diversion from our full-time job it is a second full-time job. Most of the racers I know burn the candle at both ends. They work hard at enjoying racing. The rest I am talking about is different. It is a purposeful time that you stop and enjoy all that God has created for us. A time when we adjust our minds from thinking about all we have to do and think about all we have been able to do. I think if we have lost one thing as a society it is the art of rest. We have forgotten that at the beginning of it all rest was a cornerstone of life, God created us that way.

Do you remember Sundays that we used to have? If you are a certain age you will remember the stores being closed, everything was shut down and you spent the day with family, many times around the dinner table. I remember some places even forbid cars to be driven on Sunday. Today one of the few things closed on Sunday is Chick-fil-a. I long for the simpler days when the world stopped on Sunday.

Let us look at a couple of Scriptures that will help us know the importance God places on rest.

Genesis 2:2-3, By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Exodus 20:8-11, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

The concept of a Sabbath has been confused throughout the years by man. This column is not long enough to explore all the various arguments for what is allowed and what is not. Jesus said on the Sabbath we should be about doing good and our activity should reflect our acknowledgement of God and the blessings He has provided for us.

When we do that we start to understand that life doesn’t revolve around us, life revolves around the creator of life, God. We start to see that we don’t have to do everything; it is alright to let some things go undone. We are free from the pressure of the world to acquire things. We can pursue the things that really matter, our relationship with God and those who love us. 

We try to provide that opportunity at the track for you, chapel service. It provides a time to rest and reflect on God. It can do wonders for your perspective if you let it. We know the race day is busy and many things need to get done, but trust me on this, if you take the time to honor God, He will honor your commitment and your day. He will change your perspective for the good. Trust God and let him help you through the challenge of raceday, try attending chapel.

We don’t always have the luxury to have a consistent Sabbath day and that’s okay if you don’t use that as an excuse to not have one at all. The concept of taking time to rest and focus on things outside ourselves can take place at any time and in any place. If you haven’t taken time to rest and reflect this week yet, do it now. 

At the next opportunity stop, remove yourself from the distractions around you and talk to God, just like he was sitting beside you. Share your thoughts with Him, ask for His help with the things that are on your heart. Let Him know how much you depend on Him to get through life. Ask Him for forgiveness for the things you didn’t quite get right. Rest in His comfort and mercy. 

I encourage you to experience the freedom of resting in God. Acknowledge His presence in your life and seek His guidance. He will not disappoint. Remember the Sabbath and set it apart from your everyday activity, rest in Jesus. 

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.

Having just returned from a long journey I find pleasure in sitting still. As I sit here my mind turns to the road I traveled. As with many of our journeys we have a route we plan, an itinerary in mind. My thoughts go to all the detours. 

As I crisscrossed the countryside, I am mindful of where God was going to take me on a detour for His glory. On my recent trip I had the pleasure of meeting Matthew, a tree climber for Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief and an emergency room nurse in his home life. An unplanned part of the journey that was a blessing. Remember, in the midst of the journey, God has a blessing for us.

Racing road trips can take on a life of their own. Many times it isn’t a straight line. I am encouraged when I see someone post they are traveling from here to there and if someone needs something delivered or picked up let them know. I have been known to transport racecar parts on some of my journeys. Those little side trips present opportunities to pour out the blessings we have from knowing God.

Think about who has gone out of their way to help make our journey possible. I am sure, if you are like me, the more you think about it the longer the list becomes. Last week we talked about gratitude, this week we return the favor. Consider what was done for you and do the same for someone else.

While we are not there yet, I am glad to say we are closer than where we started. I have watched many of you move closer to God during this season. I have been blessed to be a part of your progress. We have all grown closer and have learned to lean on one another. Our journey together is life changing when we invite Christ to walk along with us. 

The holidays give us the time to reflect and redirect our journey. The fact is there will always be a journey to take and a place to arrive. We need to remember; we are not there yet. The places we arrive at on our journey are just rest stops along the road to building a life that demonstrates our gratitude and thankfulness to God for loving us. 

We have stopped at many places along the road this year, we have visited and spent time with many people along the way; some in passing and some we have taken time to sit and talk with. What have we shared? What have we added? Have we overcome the focus on self to be able to pour into the lives of others? Have we left a sweet aroma in our wake?

Ephesians 5:1-2; NLT; Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

To be able to pour out a blessing to others we need to be filled ourselves. Sometimes we don’t slow down enough to fill ourselves up. God promises to fill us with joy and peace. We have to allow him to do that. That is our spiritual journey, much like the ones we travel over the road. Part of the journey is our own growth in our relationship with God.

John 14:26-27; NLT; But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Joy is God’s presence with us, the Holy Spirit that dwells in us, His seal of our relationship. The Holy Spirit reminds us of who God is and that he is with us. Peace becomes ours when we trust God and allow Him to have control over the direction of our journey. As we journey we develop greater joy and peace, we grow deeper in our relationship with God.

I would encourage you to take some time during this holiday season to reflect on your journey with God. Ask yourself, am I full and overflowing with joy and peace? Let Him fill you and then allow that overflowing Spirit to bring hope to those around us.

Sometimes we are not sure how that works, how does the Holy Spirit come to live in my heart? He is available to all but will not force His presence on us. He comes when we invite Him. God provided the gift; we need only accept it.

If we are ready to accept Jesus as our Savior, to invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and guide our journey we can do so through a prayer like this: 

Dear God, I am so sorry that I have not been thankful enough for what You have done for me in my life. I want to have the same devotion for You that I have seen others have. I want to accept Jesus’ sacrifice for my sins right now. I trust in His death and resurrection as all I need to cleanse me of my sins and make me perfect in Your sight. I desire to be obedient to your Spirit and to have you with me everywhere I journey in life. Thank You for freeing me from the burdens of my mistakes and giving me peace, in the form of eternal salvation. Help me to make Your love known to others. Amen.”

As we enjoy the holiday season and reflect on where we have been, what a blessing to be able to begin a journey with God.  We start that journey by acknowledging our shortcomings; realizing that we are not able to secure our future without the presence of Christ in our lives.  If you prayed this prayer, please share it with us. We would like the opportunity to pray for you on your new journey. 

Let’s make a commitment to take the time to let God pour into us this holiday. Carve some time out for God and sit quietly before Him and let Him help us see what He has for us each day. His promise in John 10:10 is that He came to give us life, abundant and overflowing. Don’t let the world we live in rob us of the joy and peace that only comes from God. 

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.

This time of year can be a whirlwind. As the season winds down and the time runs short for racing, the rescheduled races run up against the year ending special events. It can make for a challenging scramble to get it all in. With two southern races, North Wilkesboro and Martinsville, the Whelen Modified Tour extends well into October. Sprinkle in an ROC and some Tri-Track rescheduled races and we have a full slate in October. And that’s not the end; as the Monaco Tri-Track Modified Series closes out their season in November at Seekonk.

With the move to one day shows it is even more important to be ready to roll. Have you ever seen twelve hours go by as fast as it does on raceday? The hours turn into minutes, the minutes into seconds and before you know it the checkered flag has fallen and it’s time to pack up and head home. Time just seems to fly by.

This is especially true when you are fixing a mechanical issue, trying to get out for the one and only practice session, turning the car around from practice to go over the scales for qualifying. Then there are the times when you are chasing the setup or trying to repair some damage. The next thing you hear is the call for your heat or feature. Where does the time go? 

We experience similar events in our daily lives. We wake up, get going and before you know it, the day is over. Where does the time go? The Season just started and now it is in the books. There are a few things to finish up before the Champions are crowned and we start looking forward to next year. It hit me yesterday at the track when someone said, “see you next year.” 

I look at the photos of my children and grandchildren. I remember the times that went by all too quickly. The times of our lives pass too quickly, our children move on to lives of their own. Now the grandkids are growing up and building their future. I find myself wondering if I spent enough time with them. I wonder if I have taught them the right way, the way of God. 

It seems to me that we get caught up in things that seem important, we think they need to get done, but in hindsight they were not the most important. I received an important piece of advice from a good friend once, “If it’s going to matter in five years it’s alright to worry about, if it is not don’t waste the time worrying.”

We can be guilty of placing importance on things that are not truly important. We lose our sense of priorities. We worry about things that we do not need to worry about. We consume our time trying to change or influence things we cannot. We have an agenda and when it doesn’t go the way we want it to we worry about what will happen next. Jesus asked us a question:

Matthew 6:27, Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 

Do you know the answer? Sometimes we think we can change the events of tomorrow if we worry about them enough. We can’t. The answer, no one can. So why do we do it? We have trouble believing that God really has it all under control. We worry because we don’t have faith that God is going to get it right. We think He needs some help. 

Breathe! Stop, put on the brakes, take a breath, and live the life God has planned for you, not the one you think you want. Not the one we think we want. Not the one we worry about and get anxious over. The one God has planned for us. Without taking the time to enjoy the journey life will be gone before we know it.

God promises us that He will provide for our needs. He has it all under control. He offers us joy, His presence and peace; His plan. We need only to trust Him with all of our heart. Listen to the promise God shares with us through the Prophet Jeremiah, 

Jeremiah 29:11-13, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

There is too much life to live to be enslaved to the rat race. Try to avoid getting so busy with things that we forget about checking in with God and doing what He wants us to do. We get so busy trying to survive we forget to take time to look around at what others are going through, what others need. God promises to provide what we need and that provision will give us hope and a future. God wants us to consider what others are going through and how we can come alongside with support and encouragement.  

If we have put our trust in ourselves or others then we will be disappointed. Even if we accomplish everything we want we will still be missing something. It is God and God alone that can give us abundant life. Fulfillment in life comes only through Jesus Christ. No matter what we have, what we accomplish, what social standing we achieve, it will be incomplete without a saving knowledge of God through Jesus. 

Don’t get consumed by worry and the pressure to get things done. The line of the song says, “Life’s too long to live like this.” Focus on what is truly important, on what will affect eternity. Focus on the things of God. His promise is that He will provide and it will be good.

Live in such a way as to be sensitive to the leading of God. Step off the gerbil’s wheel. Stop running so fast that life is a blur, slow down and let things happen. Breathe. Watch for where God is working and join Him there.  

Ephesians 1:18; NLT; I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

Psalm 118:24; NLT; This is the day the Lord has made.

    We will rejoice and be glad in it.

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. 

How is it that when I take a break from the traveling I do for the ministry I manage to drive over 300 miles to rest and relax? Are we there yet? No. Sometimes the journey becomes a coast-to-coast blur. I really didn’t mind all the traveling, but as the years roll by it may be something for a younger man. Lynda and I are now the destination for the holiday travelers, they are coming to Gigi and Papi’s house. Maybe I need a road trip? 

Racing road trips can take on a life of their own. Many times it isn’t a straight line. I am encouraged when I see someone post they are traveling from here to there and if someone needs something delivered or picked up let them know. I have been known to transport racecar parts on some of my journeys and those little side trips present opportunities to pour out the blessings we have from knowing God.

Think about who has gone out of their way to help make your journey possible. I am sure, if you are like me, the more you think about it the longer the list becomes. Last week we talked about gratitude, this week we return the favor. Consider what was done for you and do the same for someone else.

While we are not there yet, I am glad to say we are closer than where we started. I have watched many of you move closer to God during this season. I have been blessed to be a part of your progress. We have all grown closer and have learned to lean on one another. Our journey together is life changing when we invite Christ to walk along with us. 

The holidays give us the time to reflect and redirect our journey. The fact is there will always be a journey to take and a place to arrive, we are not there yet. The places we arrive at on the journey are just rest stops along the road to building a life that demonstrates our gratitude and thankfulness to God for loving us. 

We have stopped at many places along the road this year, we have visited and spent time with many people along the way; some in passing and some we have taken time to sit and talk with. What have we shared? What have we added? Have we overcome the focus on self to be able to pour into the lives of others? Have we left a sweet aroma in our wake?

Romans 15:13; NLT; I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

To be able to pour out a blessing to others we need to be filled ourselves. Sometimes we don’t slow down enough to fill ourselves up. God promises to fill us with joy and peace. We have to allow him to do that. That is our spiritual journey, much like the ones we travel over the road. Are we there yet?

I would encourage you to take some time during this holiday season to reflect on your journey with God. Ask yourself, am I full and overflowing with joy and peace? Let Him fill you and then allow that overflowing Spirit to bring hope to those around us.

I received this a few years back and it stuck with me. It was part of an ATS Thanksgiving message from Frank and Doreen Deiny. It gives us the opportunity to invite Christ into our lives. Nothing could express our thanks to God more than accepting His gift of salvation.

“Believing in God is one thing. But we must also take the next step…we must come to KNOW Him. We can make this holiday season a very special one by thanking the God of our forefathers for all He has done for us and for America.

And when we give thanks, acknowledge these facts:

1) God loves us. John 3:16, 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. 

2) We are all sinful and separated from God. Isaiah 59:2, Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Romans 3:23, All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 

3) Jesus Christ is God’s only solution to our sin problem. 1 Corinthians 15:3,4, Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, …he was buried, [and] he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 

4) Our choice is whether or not we will accept Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. Acts 10:43, Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.  

If we are ready to accept Jesus as our Savior, we can do so through a prayer like this: 

Dear God, I am so sorry that I have not been thankful enough for what You have done for America, and what You have done for me. I want to have the same devotion for You that our country’s forefathers had. I want to accept Jesus’ sacrifice for my sins right now. 

I trust in His death and resurrection as all I need to cleanse me of my sins and make me perfect in Your sight. Thank You for giving America her freedom, and thank You for giving me mine, in the form of eternal salvation. Help me to make Your love known to others. Amen.”

Are we there yet? You can start down that road by turning to God and asking him to forgive you. If you prayed this prayer, please share it with us. We would like the opportunity to pray for you on your new journey.

Take the time to let God pour into you this holiday. Spend some time sitting quietly before Him and let Him help you to see what He has for each of us. His promise in John 10:10 is that he came to give us life, abundant and overflowing. Don’t let the world we live in rob you of that. Arrive at God’s knee and listen as he speaks the words of life.

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.

At times life seems to be a blur, even when you have some downtime it can seem that things are moving way too fast. Last weekend I had several bases to cover that involved being here, there and everywhere.  As we prepared to celebrate my grandson’s 10^th birthday I needed to be away so I visited with him before I left and shared some time with him. From there we had some private family time then off to Virginia for the Whelen Modified Tour race. As the checkers flew we started up our chariot and headed north. I needed to be back for our Church picnic and baptism service on Sunday. That time was all too short and all too long at the same time.

Balance is a difficult thing to achieve in life. As I thought about the tracks we run I was reminded of the challenges each track presented in setting up a racecar, Short-track, Superspeedway and Roadcourse, they present different challenges. The cars may look the same but the setups are totally different. We have to figure out the balance for each one. Balance is very important, whether setting up a racecar or our journey through life.

How about the trails of our lives? From the outside we still look the same but on the inside we have to have the ability to make adjustments depending on the situation. We need the ability to adapt and be able to reach out no matter what environment we find ourselves in. Listen to the words of Paul.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Paul adjusts his approach the way we adjust our race cars, no one setup is good for every track we run on. Likewise, no one approach will reach all the people we encounter with the Gospel. Much like what we experience in the extremes of the different race tracks we go to. We also need to adjust our approach depending on the environment we find ourselves in. The trail that leads to the cross is different depending on where you are at.

God has called us to go, here, there and everywhere. He even makes trails in the wilderness! One of the interesting things about walking with God is the fact that he doesn’t always reveal the challenges ahead. He requires us to have faith in him. 

Hebrews 11:1; NLT; Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

When we race we know the track, we know the challenge, it is laid out before us. The team that figures out the setup and the driver that figures out how to drive it will be successful. Things are a little different with God.

We need to follow although we cannot see the entire trail. I am reminded of a photo I have hanging up. It shows a trail that disappears around a corner. You can only see a little bit, where does it lead? God only knows and for us to find out we need to follow Him, trust Him and let Him guide us. That is how we live out our faith.

Seeing the entire trail is not required for us to start the journey. We must trust the one who has called us to take the trip. That is something that doesn’t come without trial and error. Sometimes we miss out because we want to know everything before we agree to start the journey. This past weekend there were many things I didn’t know, but I knew the trail I had to take. 

We need to trust the results to God. God knows the trail he has called us to follow. He knows where it leads. He knows the challenges we will face along the way. He promises to be there alongside to guide us, protect us and encourage us.

Isaiah 43:1b-3a; NLT; “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

    I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you go through deep waters,

    I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

    you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

    you will not be burned up;

    the flames will not consume you.

For I am the Lord, your God,

    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Are we prepared to walk the trails God has prepared for us? Are we prepared to put our trust and faith in God? Are we prepared to trust God and take the trail necessary to be effective in bringing the Good News to the ends of the Earth? Jesus gave us this charge; I encourage you to have the faith to take it up the journey. 

Matthew 28:18-20; Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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 have all heard them, the talkers, they can tell stories with the best of them. But when it comes to putting your money where your mouth is, their performance is less than advertised. It is one thing to say yet another to do. There are many phrases that come to mind about people whose actions fall short of their words. That leads me to believe that there are many that prefer to talk about it rather than do it. The comments I read on social media seem to prove my point. Don’t just talk about it, do it!

Truly it isn’t others that we need to look at, it is ourselves. Are we someone others can count on? Do we talk a good game but our follow through is lacking?  Without following through with actions consistent with our words do we fall short? When people watch how we live do they see a life that matches what we say we believe?

In racing it is pretty hard to hide behind your words. At some point you have to start the race. During the race it will be apparent to all if you were just blowing smoke or you really had something for the other teams. 

This has been on my mind this week as I remember the road our Savior walked that one faithful Friday. He came and taught us who he was. He showed us many miracles, healing the sick, raising people from death. He asked only one thing; believe in me.

Many have followed Him along that road, dedicating their lives to His teachings, meeting the same fate, death for the cause of Christ. It is a rare occurrence for someone to lay down their life for something they don’t believe in. A few of us are willing to die for the truth. Look around and ask yourself, what am I willing to die for? The list is probably pretty short, if there is a list at all.

One thing that amazes me about Christ is that he was willing to die for you and me regardless of whether we accepted Him or not. He walked the road foretold by the prophets so long ago. Isaiah writes;

ISAIAH 53, NIV

  1 Who has believed our message

    and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

  2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,

    and like a root out of dry ground.

  He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

    nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

  3 He was despised and rejected by men,

    a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

  Like one from whom men hide their faces

    he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

  4 Surely he took up our infirmities

    and carried our sorrows,

  yet we considered him stricken by God,

    smitten by him, and afflicted.

  5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,

    he was crushed for our iniquities;

  the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

    and by his wounds we are healed.

  6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

    each of us has turned to his own way;

  and the LORD has laid on him

    the iniquity of us all.

  7 He was oppressed and afflicted,

    yet he did not open his mouth;

  he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

    and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,

    so he did not open his mouth.

  8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.

    And who can speak of his descendants?

  For he was cut off from the land of the living;

    for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

  9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

    and with the rich in his death,

  though he had done no violence,

    nor was any deceit in his mouth.

  10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

    and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,

  he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

    and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

  11 After the suffering of his soul,

    he will see the light of life and be satisfied;

  by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,

    and he will bear their iniquities.

  12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

  because he poured out his life unto death,

    and was numbered with the transgressors.

  For he bore the sin of many,

    and made intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah tells us of the suffering and death that Christ would experience for our transgressions. He wrote this over 600 years before Christ walked on the earth. These verses reveal the difficulties Christ would face during his time here on earth.  Do you know what I find is the most amazing thing about this? Christ knew this and he came anyway.

Christ knew the road that needed to be walked so that our sins could be forgiven. He knew the pain and ridicule he would face. He knew the death he would endure. He came anyway. I asked a question earlier, what is worth dying for? Christ considered you and I worth dying for. 

The most amazing words in the Gospel are “He came”. Christ didn’t run and hide; he didn’t refuse to walk the road that needed to be walked. He came, He suffered, He died, and He rose again.

I would ask you to read these words of the prophet Isaiah this week and consider all Christ has done for us. Ask Him for forgiveness. Ask Him to come into your life and help each of us walk the road we need to be taking. He will provide the strength, courage and wisdom we need to accomplish what He has planned for us to do. Don’t just talk about it, start walking down the road with Christ alongside.

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.

Making our racecar go faster is the goal of every race team that ever existed. Figuring out whatever needs to be changed, adjusted, rebuilt, or improved; no stone goes unturned to find that elusive speed. The fact remains though if the car isn’t moving, you have no idea if the changes worked.

I was talking with a racer the other day. I asked how he did in a recent race. I was met with rolling eyes. The story began; I called my friend over and we put a brand-new setup in the car, everything was great, until I tried to drive it. It was evil! I couldn’t turn it. We brought it in, thrashed on it, adjusted what we could, but it still wasn’t turning. I ended up having to muscle it through the turns and it wore me out.

As I shared a few weeks ago the Will Rogers statement (Rev. Don paraphrase); Even if you are on the right road, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. Much like not being able to figure out the right recipe for speed without running the car on the track, God cannot guide us if we just sit there. We must be a moving, living, as we go, member of the family.

The question comes to mind; where do we go? That’s not as important. We think we will sit here and wait for God to guide us. We can sit here all day and wait; they are not coming. We need to go to them, meet them where they are, touch their lives with the love of God and invite them to join us. Before we know the direction, we must move! Somewhere, Sometime, Some place.

It isn’t as haphazard as that sounds. We all have plans, places we go, things we do. The key is to open our eyes along the journey and pay attention to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. God will change our course and direct us to the things He has prepared for us to do.

To hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit we have to know God, know His character and recognize the way He does things. 

Think of a shop helper. You are under the car on your back and you need a ½ flare wrench to tighten a brass fitting. Who will be more help? Obviously, someone who knows the type of wrench you’re looking for. It is easier to guide someone, when the person you are trying to move has some understanding of the job to be done.

God invites us alongside to watch Him and be a part of His Plan. The challenge is we have to know him to be useful to Him. Not that God wants to use us, but He wants us to be a part of what He is doing. God wants us to be a part of His Blessings. We are able to do that when we allow God to transform us into His image, we become useful to God. Think of the kid that hangs around the shop to help, learns how things work, how things fit together. One day he will be able to build his own car. He knows because he was transformed into a racer.

Are we useful to God? Why does it matter? If we are not then we will not see and experience the blessings He has prepared for us!

Acts 9:32-34; NLT; As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

As he traveled and went to visit, Peter was prompted to heal Aeneas. He could have just passed by reasoning he didn’t have the time to be bothered. He could have been so focused on his destination that he didn’t even notice. He could have reasoned that he didn’t deserve it. He could have doubted his faith in God and not risked failing. He could have reasoned he was paralyzed because he made a decision that wasn’t too smart. 

But, that’s not what God wanted him to do.

Peter knew because the Holy Spirit told him to go over and heal that man in Jesus’ name. Peter was obedient and did so. God healed Aeneas and those who lived there saw this and turned to God.

How much faith did this take for Peter to do this? How much hope did he have in God? How much confidence that God will hear and heal? Peter had it! But where did he get it from? Sitting still? No, first by following Jesus, learning, failing, being forgiven and restored. Then by going and letting God guide him along the right path.

David wrote in Psalm 23:3b something we need to understand about God’s guidance;

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

God wants to move us! Move us into places and to people that need to know the grace, forgiveness and love that He offers. God wants to heal us physically, mentally and spiritually. He wants us to be useful to Him for the purpose of sharing His blessings with us and others. 

When we move, we strengthen our faith, we trust God’s promise. Only then can people be healed. Only then can their lives have HOPE! It only happens when we go. Our faith only grows when we go. People’s lives are only changed when we go.

Where is God moving you? Where is God wanting you to go? Take some time and pray specifically for God’s direction. Know this; He has a plan that will involve doing something, somewhere at sometime! His plan will involve you putting greater trust and faith in Him then you have in the past. His plan will not only change your life, but the lives of those you meet along the road to where God is leading!

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.

A few weeks back we said goodbye to Zach at New York International Raceway Park. A nine-year-old that had a love for racing. He had a challenging life, one filled with medical issues, but he loved being at the track. You could see the excitement and joy in his eyes. Today Zach is home in heaven with His Heavenly Father, fully healed and hurting no more. God reveals in His word the special place children hold in His heart.

Mark 11:13-16; NLT; One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

This same encounter is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. God indicates to us that even children have value in His eyes. So much so he says unless you receive the Kingdom of God like a child you will never enter it. Through the eyes of a child. Think of the excitement, the joy, the wonder and amazement we get when we see things through the eyes of a child. Think of the cynicism and negativity that children do not possess. Yes, there is always hope and wonder in the eyes of a child.

We are all children of God. We head out to the racetracks to try and help people find that wonder and amazement that God offers them. The intrinsic value he placed in each of us. We seek to walk alongside and guide the discovery of what our Father in Heaven has for each of us. Let’s take a little journey with some of our chaplains.

Todd Heft shares; “Often we, our family, plan camping around Racing with Jesus Ministries races.  It usually means a shorter drive to and from the track and less time away from the family.  Win-win! 

When the schedule for 2021 was first forming in February and March I saw there were two events in Maine this past weekend. There was no question in my mind we should go up there.  After talking with Don Rivers, we made a plan on camping together. Even up until a week or two ago we both were planning on attending the Whelen Modified Tour event. Well, there was a pair of NEMA races without a chaplain so we decided to divide and conquer; Instead of being at one track I’d head up to Wiscasset and bring my oldest son with me.  

There was a slight detour.  On the horizon loomed a hurricane.  So instead of a few extra days away we rolled back home after the race arriving at 2am this morning.  It gave me a rare chance to attend church and truly worship and not serve as a techy. 

None of it sounds especially remarkable until you see the details behind what God is doing.  Don was exactly where he needed to be last night at the track and I was exactly where I needed to be both yesterday and today. 

Detours aren’t fun, they’re many times the long way around.  They’re not convenient.  God doesn’t ask us to lead a life of convenience, he asks us to live a life of obedience.  When we do we see the amazing things He does and we see lives touched and transformed.  Our own lives begin to greater reflect Christ to the others around us.  

Back in the time when Jesus lived, Jews used to take the road around Samaria because they despised the Samaritans so much.  Jesus didn’t and when he met the women at the well, He transformed her life. Not only that but he transformed the entire town into believers.  He knew the detour was the right way for that time. 

If God is calling you to do something, if you’re feeling a nudge, it’s probably the Holy Spirit prompting you to take action.  Take the detour from what you planned and follow God’s route.  It’s significantly more rewarding than the road you would have chosen.”

Our Chaplain at Stafford Motor Speedway Tim Garrison shares how he sees God’s presence at Stafford. “I am seeing God moving and working at Stafford in a couple of different ways. I am seeing people that previously would not spend much time talking with me, initiate conversations and ask for prayer before the race. I am seeing relationships build and develop with drivers and crew members where they share their prayer requests with me and engage in deeper and more meaningful life conversations.

Another exciting way that I am seeing God working is in the logistics of how I serve at the track. There seems to be more of an openness to what I do and a growing appreciation and acceptance to the message of what “the chaplain” is there to do.” 

Scott Frazier, our Northern Chaplain, visits many different places throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Scotty shared this about his journey. This year has been an important year to get back to normal after a trying 2020.

“With my travels to many different tracks, I have made a lot of friends over the years. I have found a special connection with the Storace family at Star Speedway. Kelly and Jim are a very special couple that are very dedicated to racing for many years.  

I first met them years ago, as I became a Chaplain, they wanted to have me stop and pray with them at their trailer on race day. I always make sure I stop and catch up and chat with them.

 Within the past 2 years Kelly has been fighting brain cancer. We pray together during her fight over the racing season. Keeping God in their life to guide them. 

I am happy to say she is now in remission. God has given her life back. I can see how much they love each other and knowing that we have that connection with them on a personal level with God has made our presence well worth it. Serving him well one team at a time.”

Todd Heft adds; “God is working in the NEMA series in a way I have not seen with any other division in my short time as a chaplain.  The officials, the drivers and the families are specifically seeking out our presence at the track.  God has put together connections and those connections are allowing the Gospel to be shared and heard by people who would otherwise not have heard. It has not only touched lives in the series but given me a tremendous amount of encouragement.”

God wants to be with His people, He wants them to know the value they have in His eyes. We go to deliver the message, to walk alongside, lifting each of you up. We are blessed to be a partner with God in ministering to you. 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.

The new season brings with it a new set of challenges. As we gain experience, we develop a strategy to attempt to figure out where we are in our preparation for the season ahead. There are open practices, testing days, and opportunities to figure out if we are ready to race. How we utilize these opportunities goes a long way to determine what direction we are headed.

Sometimes though they are not always conclusive. There are times when we think we have a good handle on things, we think we are prepared, we think we have the kinks worked out and are ready. We pack up, head to the track, roll the car out, fire it up and hit the track. Then it happens, something we didn’t expect and the real race begins.

The head scratching, big swings, small adjustments, minor tweak and if necessary, the kitchen sink hoping to find the combination that works and gets the car right. Sometimes it is elusive and you just have to start the race with what you have and keep adjusting, hoping to find the right combination.

A week or so ago one driver fought those elusive gremlins and came home victorious. An electrical problem was causing the car to shut off. They worked at figuring it out hoping the next fix was the last. They didn’t get the practice they planned on so no time to figure out the chassis adjustments. They didn’t get the qualifying lap they hoped for and started the race behind, headed in the wrong direction. Certainly not the way you thought It would go.

As the race played out, they found themselves in the right position at the right time, leading the field when the checker flag waved. Now things don’t always work out that way, in fact they rarely do. Truth is more times than not you end up in a worse position than where you started, heading back to the shop with work to do. I am sure the ride is shorter with the winner’s trophy sitting in the passenger seat.

Finding the right direction can be a difficult process, especially when the road to the desired destination is one that you wouldn’t even think of walking. We think we know the way. We think we know how things should go. We think we know what should happen. We don’t. Things rarely are as predictable as we think. “I didn’t see that happening.”

Remember Peter and his friends out fishing, catching nothing, wondering what they needed to do, what direction did they need to go? They didn’t expect to meet Christ on the shore. They didn’t expect to catch so many fish. They didn’t expect he would have breakfast for them. They certainly didn’t expect that he would have forgiveness and direction for them.

They found direction in a place they didn’t expect. Isn’t that just like Christ, meets us where we are and guides us in the direction we need to go. Christ promises to do that if we let him into our lives. We would do well to let him show us the direction we need to go.

Mathew 28:16-20; Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

This passage reveals a couple things that will help us as we look for direction in our lives. Notice they went to the place Jesus told them to go. I’m not sure they went with the confidence that this was the right direction, but they followed Jesus’ direction. It says they met Jesus there but some doubted indicating they weren’t sure what they would find.

When we talk about following the directions Jesus gives us many times we lack the confidence to know it is right, we need to have trust and faith in Christ, the giver of the direction. When we follow the results are the same, we will meet Christ there. We can be assured if we meet Christ there, we followed the right direction. The best direction we can have in life is to join God where he is working. He will direct us there if we put our trust and faith in him. Even in our doubt he will reveal himself.

This passage also reveals that God has a plan for us. He has work for us to do. Notice the order of things. God’s plan isn’t haphazard. First this, then this and then finish with that. We can see by how God is revealed in the Scripture that he has a direction, he is organized and well thought out.

Let’s see if we can follow along; Go, don’t sit around waiting for folks to come to you, go to them. Tell them about me, share with them the things I have done for you and how your life has taken a new direction because of your faith in me. Help them put their faith in me also. Welcome them into the family, help them proclaim to the world what they have decided in their heart. Teach, nurture, guide and walk alongside as they seek to follow my direction.

Look also at the last statement, Christ doesn’t expect us to do something he hasn’t already committed to do for us. I am with you always. Helping us find direction doesn’t mean telling us where to go and then sending us down the road. No, Christ gives us direction and then says come on, join me, I’ll walk with you.

How much better is the road of life when you have a traveling partner? When you have someone who has been there and knows the way? When you have someone who will walk alongside, never leave you or let you go?

Remember that victory we talked about earlier? The crew chief on the car in Victory Lane was no stranger to that place. He himself had visited there previously, he knew the way, he walked alongside and he brought his driver to that special place of victory.

There is something to be said for following someone who has been there, someone who has walked the road, someone who knows the way. We benefit from their experience, knowledge and understanding. Christ has walked the road he offers to travel with us. He knows the way. He understands what is important. He knows the direction we must go. Join Him on the journey.

Deuteronomy 31:8; Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

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.