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By Rev Don Rivers
Last week we looked at directions, which way should we go? This week we will take a look at connections. Many times the connections we have will determine the direction we are going. Who do we know that has been there? We search our connections to find someone who can provide direction. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We have all had the challenge of having to fix something. The things we are familiar with aren’t the problem, it is when we have to tackle something we know nothing about. The go to these days is YouTube. They have a video for everything. While it is great to listen and watch as someone walks us through, I think firsthand experience is best. I always like to find someone who has actually figured it out and knows. Being connected to the right person can make all the difference. As they say; “it’s not what you know but who you know.”
We find that in many places in racing, many smaller teams have connections with larger teams and they share information. We see it on the setup side also. Most car builders test and compile information to share with their customers to help them learn the adjustments needed to improve the performance of the car. Being connected with that information can make all the difference.
It is not an uncommon discussion to hear in the garage area between teams about how their car is doing. Sometimes the information is shared freely. Sometimes it is closely guarded and hidden. It depends on who you are and what connections you have as to whether or not you can get the information you are searching for.
Who are we connected to? Who do we learn from? As we continue to look ahead to Easter we find ourselves around the dinner table, listening to the conversation between Jesus and His disciples. The subject of connections came up. Jesus shared with them about the connection that existed between Him and The Father. We read in John’s Gospel chapter 14;
John 14:9b-10; NLT; Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.
Jesus was connected to the Father, they were one in the same. He went on to explain how things work through that connection.
John 15:1-2: NLT; “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.
Jesus uses the analogy of a grapevine, some branches are not productive and need to be removed. Some are productive but they need to be trimmed to be more productive. What he is saying is to do the Will of God we need to be connected to the vine.
John 15:4-5: NLT; Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
Jesus is the connection we need to be connected to the Father. We cannot produce fruit, that is to say, do the work of the Father, if we are not connected to Jesus. We also cannot experience the blessings of the Father if we do not have that connection. Through that connection we have life and can bear much fruit. Apart from Christ we can do nothing.
John 15:6: NLT; Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.
Jesus goes on to say that those branches who are unproductive will be cut off, wither and thrown into the fire.
What his message to the disciples is; is to stay connected to the source of life, me. When you depart from me you will not be able to do anything. We understand that as it relates to being in the will of God. When we give our lives over to God through Christ we have a desire in our heart to do the things that bring honor and praise to His name. That desire competes with our own selfish desire to please ourselves. Jesus helps us understand that we must be connected to God through him to be able to do things that please God.
The desire to please ourselves is strong. Many live their life with that as their sole focus. In the end that will not lead us to where we think it will. When we are consumed with a desire to please ourselves we are not connected to God.
God offers His presence to us through the sacrifice Christ made for us. He desires that we know him and are connected to Him. Our selfish desires separate us from Him. He offers a way for us to be reconciled to Him, a gift to be received by our choice. Making that connection makes all the difference in life. We become children of God.
John 3:16-17; NIV; For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
I would encourage you to get connected with God through Jesus. We are here to help you with that. Do not hesitate to ask, we are available to help you make that connection.
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.
