Life has its share of temptations, challenges, difficulties and decisions. Are we trying to get through it on our own? Is there someone watching over us? Who is helping us on the road of Life? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We have been talking about the people we are thankful for. We have some by our side and others we gather with. There is one who for the most part is not seen. He is the Holy Spirit. Sometimes his role is misunderstood. As we continue to give thanks let us also give thanks for the provision of a guide, counselor, advocate, comforter, convicter and helper.

We do a lot of standing around and waiting at the track. Sometimes we get so into a conversation we lose track of the schedule. Then there is that reminder of what is happening on the track. You start to see the stream of spotters walk by with the tools of their trade. You know it is time for the racing to begin. 

A spotter’s tools are simple; a good set of eyes to be able to watch what is happening, good judgment about how to advise the driver and a way to communicate to the driver. We can all watch but it helps to know what we are looking at. A good spotter sees difficulty coming before it happens. Some of those things need to be communicated, some don’t. A good spotter doesn’t overload the driver with information that they don’t need to run the race. The third thing a good spotter needs is a way to communicate to the driver. I’m not talking about having a radio and speaking into the mike, that doesn’t qualify. The spotter and the driver need to speak the same language, not only to hear each other but to understand what the other means.

Think of it this way, when the spotter says “inside” does that mean go inside or go outside? It could mean either, that is up to the spotter and driver. The driver and the spotter develop a language all their own and develop an understanding of each other so that they can communicate with each other. When that works, things go well. When it doesn’t it usually means disaster.

I have heard it said many times after a car runs into a wreck and the announcer says “his spotter didn’t warn him.” With our ability to listen to the driver/spotter communications, we know if it is true. It isn’t always that cut and dry though. Sometimes there just isn’t enough time. Sometimes the driver doesn’t listen. Just remember, we may be speaking, but that doesn’t mean we are communicating.

Spotters are required when you go on the track. Wouldn’t it be great to have a spotter for life also? Well we do if we look around. The past few weeks we have talked about the people we surround ourselves with. We have influences around us but what if we had a voice inside our head? Someone who is in our ear, living inside us and guiding us in the right path. God has provided a spotter for us all; his name is The Holy Spirit. Listen to what Jesus says about the Spirit;

John 14:16-18, 25-27, (Jesus answered) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever– the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

   “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

In addition, we read in Acts of the Apostles

Acts 5:5,  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

The Holy Spirit is given to us to guide our hearts in the paths that are right. I am reminded of the cartoon with the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other. This is a good illustration of what happens when the Spirit becomes our spotter. He guides us with the right advice, but there is that other voice. The voice of our own making telling us something different, something not of God. Which voice do we follow? Which guidance do we take?

We need the help of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Someone who will hold you accountable to the choices we make. Someone trust worthy, someone who loves us. Someone who would lay down their life for us, a true friend. We need this kind of helper in our lives. The Holy Spirit’s job is much the same as a race spotter. They look out ahead and spot the trouble before we see it. They talk to us and guide us around the difficulty. They want us to finish the race of life in the best possible condition.

We need to have The Holy Spirit as our guide. We receive The Holy Spirit when we ask Jesus to come into our heart. When we seek forgiveness from God for our shortcomings and accept the sacrifice Jesus made for us. When we seek out God He sends The Holy Spirit to live in our heart, to guide us in the paths that are right, to counsel us, to show us the truth.

Do you have The Holy Spirit in your heart? You can. He will be a spotter that will never leave you. Ask God today to send Him and God will honor that request and send Him. The key component is asking with sincerity in your heart; you have to want to. Seek out the guidance of The Holy Spirit today. Accept the sacrifice Jesus made for you and ask God to forgive your sin. If your heart is sincere the transaction is done, your life has changed.

I would ask that you share that with us so that we can rejoice with you. We will also be here to help and guide you along the road. We will come along side you and walk with you through life. We will help you through the difficulties. We will do our best to help you figure out life and learn how to live it to the fullest.

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.