0
0
By Rev Don Rivers
Having the right equipment and information is vital to accomplishing anything with some degree of proficiency. We have seen some though who seem to make the most of what they have. Without all the bells and whistles they are successful. Are we equipped to live a successful life? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Just continuing the thought process from last week, I wonder if we are equipped to be successful? Last week we defined being successful, this week we will try to get a handle on the equipment and information we need to get there.
The Whelen Modified Tour recently visited Riverhead Raceway on Long Island. There was a great field of cars from various manufacturers. Local drivers and touring drivers each with enough talent to prevail and secure the victory. Who would take home the prize? This one might surprise you.
The victor was not even scheduled to be in the race until a few days before the event. Not only that but the equipment he would run was not the equipment he was used to using. To add more drama, he was driving for a team he had never worked with before. How does that add up to a victory? The team, even assembled at the last hour, was equipped with the information and understanding to be successful.
Doug Coby was a substitute driver for Jimmy Blewett, who due to a family emergency, was unable to compete. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy and his family as they endure this challenging time. The entire racing community is lifting you and your family up. It was great to see so many decals of support and encouragement for Kayla.
Tommy Baldwin Jr. provided the car and the two set out to put the 7NY in victory lane for the first time in many years. The victory was one for the ages, a legendary Long Island team with an iconic history sat in victory lane with a substitute driver. It wasn’t his familiar car or his equipment but Doug Coby drove it like he owned it right to Victory Lane.
Let’s take note of that and see how we can equip ourselves for the journey ahead. Some questions come to mind; do we have the right stuff? Do we know what the right stuff is? When we get the right stuff, do we know how to use it? Do we have the right information to guide us? How do we apply all this?
That’s a pretty big list but if we break it down, we can be equipped to have a successful journey. Remember the tools we talked about needing on the road to being successful;
The first step to being successful is including Jesus. He must be a part of our life. Sometimes we get the wrong information. There are some that would make this step more complicated than it is. God provided in the life and death of Jesus a sacrifice to cover our sin. He provides it as a gift. He asks us only to believe and confess.
Ephesians 2:8; NLT; God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
I have been asked many times to put in a good word for someone so that God would have favor on them when they stand before Him. The truth is that when you stand before God, and each of us will, there is a name you need to know and it is not mine.
Acts 4:12; NLT; There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
It is a pretty straight forward, no frills concept, believe and confess. I get pretty annoyed with people, churches, and denominations that add to this. We can complicate this gift that God provides with all kinds of requirements that God never intended for us to bear.
I think the reason for that is we tend to think we have to “do something” to earn our salvation. That’s not the way it works. God provides for us the equipment necessary for us to have a relationship with Him; Christ’s death and resurrection. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing added. He did it for us and it is a gift.
It is a pretty strong bond; the writer of Romans explains;
Romans 8:38-39; NLT; And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Are we equipped with the right relationship to stand before God and receive His forgiveness? The only requirement is to receive the gift he offers. I urge each of you to take a moment and acknowledge what God has done for us, accept the sacrifice that Christ made for our sins and believe God raised him from the dead.
Romans 10:9; NLT; If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
We are now equipped and that is where the journey begins, The Scripture tells us there are things God has prepared for us to do. We are looking forward to walking alongside and seeing all that God has planned.
Ephesians 2:8-10; NLT; God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
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.
