As the season winds down we find ourselves looking ahead to the off season. A time when we will be apart from each other. Sometimes that is a good thing, but most times it isn’t. How do you plan to spend your time this off season? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Racing season has us busy running from one track to another, leaving little time to fit much else in. It flies by with a blur. It is great to see everyone a few times a week, you get used to talking and racing together. But what happens when we stop for a few months?
I would like to keep having Chapel services throughout the off season. I think it is important for us to stay connected with each other and with God. It is important to receive the encouragement of each other. We need to know there are others who stand alongside of us to help through life’s challenges.
During the off season I still write this column and post to the blog. Let me know if you would like to be added to the email list. I know that sometimes we don’t have the time to read it so I’m thinking of doing a podcast or two. Would you be interested in hearing that? Maybe Facebook live. Let me know what would interest you and keep us connected.
I also would encourage you to find a place to worship in the off season. If you do not have a place to go, contact us and we will help you find one. If you live in the CT, MA & RI tristate area maybe we could plan to get together. If enough of us would like to get together I’d welcome planning a chapel/worship service.
It is important in your walk with Christ that we gather together with other Christians. The coming together is necessary to help us maintain and grow. This encourages us grow in the right way. There are many challenges we face in the world and we need to help each other through. Let me try to illustrate what happens when we don’t stay connected with one another.
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him.
It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preachers visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.
The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.
Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said; ‘Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday.’
Paul wrote these words to encourage Christians to stay connected;
Hebrews 10:25; Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
And David wrote these words to help us understand the benefits we receive by staying in touch with God.
Psalm 23 with comment;
The Lord is my Shepherd —– that’s a Relationship!
I shall not want —– that’s Supply!
He makes me to lie down in green pastures —-that’s Rest!
He leads me beside the still waters —–that’s Refreshment!
He restores my soul —– that’s Healing!
He leads me in the paths of righteousness –that’s Guidance!
For His name sake —– that’s Purpose!
Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death–that’s Testing!
I will fear no evil —– that’s Protection!
For You art with me —– that’s Faithfulness!
Your rod and your staff they comfort me —–that’s Discipline!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies——that’s Hope!
You anoint my head with oil —– that’s Consecration!
My cup runs over —– that’s Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life—-that’s Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord —–that’s Security!
Forever —– that’s Eternity!
Don’t be a stranger to God in the off season, find a place to worship and receive the food we need for our soul. Honor God by giving Him our time and let His Spirit fill our soul. Let us know what we can do to keep the fire burning. Don’t go it alone.
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.
