It is the time of the year when the anticipation level is high. The weather seems to be a little behind, but people are coming out of hibernation. We have kicked off the racing season with some southern races and now we are getting ready to kick off the racing season in the Northeast. What are you looking forward to the most this year? What has you all excited with anticipation for the new racing season? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Spring is a wonderful time of year. The snow melts, the grass starts to green up, the trees grow new leaves, the flowers start to bloom and the racetracks open up for business; the smell of burning rubber and race fuel! One of the true indications that spring is here.

I wonder though can spring give each one of us the opportunity to start over, to make changes, to take our life in a new direction? When we wake from our winter hibernation can we can walk in a new direction?

This past winter has been particular hard with the loss of many friends and family. We enter the season without some who were by our side for much of our journey. I made the trip to Myrtle Beach without Howie. He was there in Spirit. I could hear his voice. At times as I looked out the windshield I could see through his eyes the beauty around us.

We are accustomed to making our resolutions in January when the New Year starts, but how many of those see the light of day in February? I think now might be a better time to focus on starting new things, taking our lives in a new direction. We can let the lives that we’ve lost inspire us to take life in a new direction. I am reminded of the Prophet Isaiah’s words;

Isaiah 43:18-19a, nlt;

18 “But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.

19 For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

Life is interesting in a way. We have many opportunities to start over. We have many opportunities to change the course of our life. Life gives us choices every day. We can forget the past mistakes, shortcomings, failures and move forward with God. Everyday is a new opportunity to wipe the slate clean and begin anew. We can let the lives we have loved inspire us to live differently, a more fulfilling life.

Scripture tells us that no man knows the day or hour of the Lord’s return. People will still be going about their daily activities when He returns. We do not know when our last day will be. Are we prepared? Are we ready?

Let me ask this; if Jesus walked up to us this afternoon, would we welcome him? Would we recognize him? Most of us would start scrambling around to get things in order. Don’t worry, none of us are ready. Some of us are more prepared than others. Some of us have taken steps to make our lives right with God. We have turned to him, asked for His forgiveness, and invited Jesus to come into our lives as our Savior.

Springtime gives us a fresh perspective, a new outlook on the year ahead. Now is the time, today is the day to accept the sacrifice Jesus made for you. Only then are we prepared for his return.

How do you do that? Well, it is a little easier than setting up a race car. You don’t need an entire team. It is something you do on your own. No one can make the decision for you. There are some basic ingredients you need.

First, you have to want to. You cannot do it because you think someone else wants you to. You cannot do it if you are just doing it to be included. You have to want it deep down in your heart. The decision has to be yours and it has to be from your heart.

Second, we need to accept the sacrifice of Jesus, His death and resurrection. He made the sacrifice we couldn’t make and God accepts that sacrifice as a payment for our failures.

Third, you have to turn to God to receive His forgiveness. Just like no one can make the decision for you, no one can forgive you other than God. He is the only one who can and will, when we ask with all our heart, forgive us. When we call on the name of Jesus and claim His sacrifice God accepts that and forgives us.

Fourth, a new life is born in you. The Holy Spirit comes and resides within you. He is there to guide, counsel, teach and help us live a life that honors God. Think of it like your conscience. His voice is there talking to you, guiding you the right way.

Spring is a wonderful time of year to begin life anew. I think it is a great time to accept the gift that was offered for us. It is also a great time to get back in touch with God. Let’s face it sometimes we drift away from the right path. We go our own way instead of the way that is right. Now is the time to return to God, bend your knees and seek Him out. Confess your sins and let Him forgive and heal your soul.

Remember our Winter Bible Study?

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

God is there and ready to restore us. God desires that we have a loving and close relationship with Him. Return to him today for the first time or for the hundredth time. He is waiting there to forgive and restore you. God Bless.

Acts 14:12, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

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.