Indy Lights J.V. Horto - Chapel Guest this Sunday!

Indy Lights driver, J.V. Horto will be the guest of the INDYCAR Ministry at this Sunday's (5/13) chapel service. J.V. will talk about his faith in Christ and how that has played a pivotal role in his racing career.

The chapel is on the first floor of the media building at IMS, just north of the Pagoda. It will be held at 8:30 AM. We hope to see you there!

Lonestar "JR" Johnny Rutherford Award

The trophy for the Lonestar "JR" Johnny Rutherford award was unveiled today at a press conference today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The trophy will be handed out to a person who represents character, integrity, and leadership at the annual Indy 500 Breakfast held on 5/26. More details are available at www.Indy500breakfast.com!

Words do Matter

We all face obstacles in our lives. Most of us are able to walk and communicate without giving it a second thought. Kevin and Marla Pace are an exception to that rule. I met this lovely couple this morning and had a time of fellowship and prayer with them. Despite huge challenges in their lives, they have the resolve to move forward for the glory of Christ. Their attitude reminds me of what Paul said in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Take a moment to check out the story of Kevin and Marla Pace on their website below. Be sure to watch the special that was done by an Indianapolis TV station. If you feel led, support their ministry by purchasing some of their work.

http://www.wordsdomatter.com/Home.html

They have graciously donated one of their framed prints for the INDYCAR Ministry silent auction to be held later this year at our golf tournament.

Thanks Kevin and Marla. You are truly an inspiration led by God Himself!

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus!

This is an excerpt from the sermon message yesterday at Barber Motorsports Park....

When Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, he was set out resolute for the cross. His triumphant entry into the city was followed by his last supper with the apostles. He went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane and was captured there. He was taken to the house of the high priest Caiaphas for his mock trial. Pontius Pilate then handed him over to be flogged. He carried his own cross to the hill on Golgotha where he was crucified for us.

Jesus set his eyes on the cross. Jesus was faithful to the finish. He was faithful to the finish for us. Will you be faithful to the finish in your life? The only way to insure that you are is to look to the author and perfecter of our faith. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Do it today.

Sweet Home Alabama!

Chapel is this Sunday at 8:00 AM (9:00 EST) at the Star Mazda transporter at Barber Motorsports Park. Both Star Mazda races will be held on Sunday! Pray for good and safe racing and that Christ is proclaimed in this place!

St. Pete Pics!!!!

Are you clergy?

I was asked by a fan in St. Pete as I walked through the paddock area if I was clergy and if I could take a prayer request for someone. I said sure! He proceeded to tell me about a woman that has in-operable cancer and will die soon. I wrote down her name and asked him how he knew her. He said, "She is my wife".

I asked if I could pray with him. He agreed. As I prayed for her healing either here on earth or when she reaches heaven, he began to cry. As I ended my prayer, he gave a bear hug with tears flowing. I whispered in his ear, "It will be OK. And if you have faith in Christ, you will see her again". As we parted ways, he was still crying at his impending earthly loss.

We are all "clergy". It does not have to say "ministry" on your shirt to share the love and hope of Christ. Go ye therefore...

Will you pray for my driver?

I was asked that question on pit road by a crew chief during qualifications today! His car was actually on the track for quals and he came over to me and asked if I would pray right there, right now, with him for the driver on the track. I was impressed with his request....

Why? Typically during a qualification run, everyone is focused on their team, the car, the traffic, the speed, and the position. This guy wanted to focus on God.

How many times do we stop in the middle of an important event and just pray? I prayed with that crew chief on pit lane while his car was on the track. When God prompts; act. Pray with out ceasing...

In St. Pete!

With the USF2000 and Star Mazda series! 35-40 USF2000 entries and 22 Star Mazda entries! Pray for a safe weekend and that hearts would be changed for Christ!

What are your Godly Characteristics?

Below is an excerpt of the devotional from today's service at Sebring. Honestly answer the questions below as you read the lesson...

1 Samuel 16:10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”

Samuel approaches Jesse and asks to see his sons. By the world’s standards, the first of the seven brothers were king material. But God told Samuel, “No.” Seven sons down and no king. Samuel must have been wondering what was up. So, Jesse called for his youngest son, David. Up to this point, Jesse hadn’t seen the need to summon David from his shepherding tasks. After all, he was just a shepherd.

1 Samuel 16:11 “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power.

Jesse’s other sons weren’t necessarily bad; they just weren’t what God was looking for in a king. Had Samuel selected the king without listening for God’s confirmation, he would have selected the wrong son.

- When things get tough in your life, are you more likely to take care of things yourself or turn everything over to God?

- Has there been a time when you did something without God’s confirmation?

Isn’t it funny how God often picks the least likely person to accomplish his tasks? God turned down charisma, good looks, and physical stature and he selected young David to lead Israel.

- David’s character qualified him to be used by God. Based on your character, are you qualified to be used by God?

- In what areas of life do you need to develop Godly character?

The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. - 1 Samuel 16:7

Adapted from “ Facing your Giants” by Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson Publishing

INDYCAR Ministry - Represent!

A number of the USF2000 drivers are displaying the new decals courtesy of Business Art & Designs! Thanks to all for your support!

Are we going to have a morning prayer?

This was asked of me this morning by a staff member. I said absolutely! So we joined hands with another staff member and I prayed for safety and that through our work here today that it would bring glory to our Savior, Christ Jesus!

Have you prayed today?

35 USF2000 Entries at Sebring!

Please pray for a safe week! http://www.usf2000.com/news/12-03-12/35-Car_Grid_Set_to_Challenge_in_USF2000_Season_Opener_at_Sebring.aspx

2012 Car Count!

I received word yesterday that there may be between 35-40 cars at both Sebring and St. Pete for the USF2000! What an incredible opportunity to share Christ's love with these new teams and drivers!

Pray as I prepare for those events. That God would go before me to prepare ears to hear and hearts to receive!

What's Your Giant in 2012?

Below is an excerpt from today's devotional service at PBIR....

1 Samuel 17: 48-49 - As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.

No one else discusses God. David discusses no one else but God. David majors in God. He sees the giant, but he just sees God more so. He is “God-focused” instead of “giant-focused”. David sees the armies of God. And because he does, David hurries and runs toward the army to meet the Philistine.

When was the last time you did the same? How long has it been since you ran toward your challenge? We tend to retreat, duck behind a desk of work or crawl into a nightclub of distraction or a bed of forbidden love. For a moment, or a day, or a year, we feel safe, insulated, anesthetized, but then the work runs out, the liquor wears off, the lover leaves, and we hear Goliath again.

Try a different tack. Rush your giant with a God-saturated soul. Giant of divorce, you aren’t entering my home! Giant of depression? It may be a lifetime, but you won’t conquer me. Giant of alcohol, bigotry, child abuse, insecurity…. You’re going down. How long since you loaded your sling and took a swing at your giant?

1. Can you identify the giants in your life?
2.How does your typical day begin; thinking about the giants or thinking about God?
3. What is preventing you from slaying the giants in your life?

You have a choice:
a. Battle your giants in your own power.
b. Run from your giants.
c. Allow your giants to paralyze you.
d. Turn your giants over to God and let him overcome them!!!!!!!

It’s your choice…. What’s it going to be?
Adapted from “ Facing your Giants” by Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson Publishing

It was Cool at Palm Beach!

Congrats to Spencer Pigot for sweeping the three races at PBIR this weekend. Also thanks for the prayers and support! It was a good and safe weekend!

Next event will be the USF2000 2012 season opener back at Sebring in mid March!

INDYCAR Ministry at the CARQUEST 500 World of Wheels!

INDYCAR Ministry was represented with their Pennzoil Reynard show car at the CARQUEST 500 World of Wheels last weekend in Indianapolis. It was a great venue to raise awareness for the ministry. Special thanks to Fred, Jackie, Jim, Steve and Janice for getting the car there and getting everything set up!

Also, thanks to the guys at Business Art and Designs for the sign and to Roberto Guerrero for the use of his fire suit and helmet!!!!!

USF2000 Races into Palm Beach Int'l Raceway!

Race 1 of 3 was completed today with no incidents! A devotional service is being held tomorrow morning and race 2 & 3 will be completed in tomorrow afternoon! Continue to pray for safety for all the competitors!

Sebring "In the books"

Congrats to the Cape Motorsports trio who completed top 3 in all three races the past two days at Sebring. Special thanks to almighty God who kept all the competitors safe!

Next event for the USF2000 Winterfest is the Palm Beach International Speedway this weekend!

Thank you for what you do....

With tears in her eyes, a mother of one of the drivers thanked me for praying with her son prior to the race today. He has been questioning faith issues lately. She could not believe he wanted to pray. God's timing is impeccable. God's will is perfect. God is God... We forget that from time to time...

Thanks for your support!