Chaplain's Corner - August 27, 2004

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And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Heb 9:27 (KJV)

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Well, it has been a busy past two weeks for me, but that is a long story that involves truck repair on Saturday night that kept me from the track. Pray for us as this weekend we will be traveling to Ohio for a minister’s conference. If it be God’s will I’ll be there next weekend. Scott Harris will be taking care of the driver’s prayer meeting this weekend, and as always I’ll be lifting you all up at race time. Now onto this week’s message.

With the shooting of the Indianapolis police officers this past week, I was thinking about how precious our time is here. Having served as a police officer I know what it’s like to walk out the door to go to work and wonder if you’ll come back home at the end of your shift. On Aug. 18 Officer Timothy Jake Laird didn’t make it home. My prayers go out to his family, and to the families of all the officers who were wounded in that shootout. To the Officers who continue to serve and protect us I say thank you and may God protect you each day as you serve.

This made me think about our drivers who go out each weekend to entertain us with their racing skills. They too risk their lives as they come out each week, not knowing if they’ll be in an accident that might end their life. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying this to scare anyone, I just want each of us to think about how short our time on earth is and to cherish each moment that God has given us.

Over the last few weeks there have been several “disagreements” on the track. Before you act in anger, think about what you would feel like if that person you were fighting with were to die and the last time you saw them you were fighting with them.

Folks, I understand that in the heat of competition tempers can flare up. We must remember however that it is only a race, a game if you will, and in the scope of life it’s a minute point. Cherish the time you have with your friends and loved ones. Don’t let your words kill a friendship over a 25-lap race. If you walk away from an accident, it’s been a successful race.

I don’t mean to make this sound like a “chew out”. Jesus said that we should love one another. Let your actions reflect that love that Christ showed us. Show our children, who see each of us as adults as a role model, that there are things more important than a 25-lap race. I pray each day for all of you; drivers, crews, owners, track officials, and our fans who come out each week to watch our racing programs. I love each of you in the spirit of Christ Jesus. If you don’t know him as your personal savior I beg you to seek him out today. He gave his life for you and he didn’t have to. He offers you life eternal if you’ll only believe and trust him. Remember that anger is only one letter away from danger. Go with God for he will always go with you.

E-mail reaches me at chaplain@andersonspeedway.com. If these columns are a blessing to you let me know. Also, if you have prayer requests, need a friend, have a topic you would like me to write on, or want me to speak at your church, e-mail me or see me at the track.

RWJM operates as a faith based ministry. If you haven’t considered donating to us to help us spread the gospel of Jesus to racetracks across the country please think about it. Your donations are tax deductible and can be made at www.rwjm.org or see me at the track & I can give you a donation envelope where you can mail it in.

May God abundantly bless each of you & give your troubles to God; he’ll be up all night anyway!

See you at the races next week,
Rev. Carlos