Chapel Service

Colorado National Speedway

August 14, 2010 – Part 2

Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, UT

September 12, 2010 – Part 3

Montana Raceway Park

August 7, 2010 – Part 1

“Mechanics of Forgiving”

(Part 2 of the 3 parts)

Bob Butcher

 

 

 

Continuing with Part 2 today:

When Leeanne & Sarah were growing up and they did something to forgive, or I had to ask their forgiveness, it was always important to me that they understood the forgiveness we all have in Christ, which enabled me to forgive them.  Then after the process of repentance & forgiveness it was always “I love you & want to be Friends Forever, no matter what.”  I wanted to model the truth that repentance & confession will always lead to complete restoration of our relationship …even when there were consequences along the way.  Sometimes there were and despite that we are close friends today & I consider that a GREAT privilege & success.

 

Many people have never understood or experienced this kind of forgiveness and struggle with feelings of guilt, anger, & estrangement.

 

Whenever others wrong you, YOU have the opportunity to introduce them to the wonderful world of true forgiveness …and glorify God

 

Ideally, repentance should precede forgiveness.  However, serious offences without repentance may need a 2 stage approach.

1. First: We need to have an attitude of forgiveness

• It means living out the 1^st promise of forgiveness:

“I will not dwell on this incident.”

1. That also means no revenge or retribution in thought, word, or action.
2. Instead, you pray for them & stand ready to grant forgiveness when they repent.
3. This attitude protects you from bitterness & resentment when the other person takes a long time to repent.

1. Second: Actually granting them forgiveness

• It is a commitment to make the other 3 promises to the person.

“I will not bring this incident up again & use it against you

“I will not talk to others about this incident”

“I will not let this incident stand between our relationship”

*It is not appropriate to make these promises until the offender has repented. – Until then, you may need to talk to the offender about the sin or seek the involvement of others to resolve the matter.

 

Confession’s 7 A-Rules lead to repentance & forgiveness

1. Address everyone involved
2. Avoid if, but, and maybe
3. Admit specifically
4. Acknowledge the hurt
5. Accept the consequences
6. Alter your behavior
7. Ask for forgiveness

Can you ever mention the sin again?

• The commitment here should not used to prevent you from dealing honestly & realistically with a recurring pattern of sin.
• This is only used for the good of the person & THEIR benefit
• Otherwise you rob people of their hope that they can change.

What about consequences?

• Forgiveness does not automatically release the offender from all the consequences of their actions.
  • God forgave the Israelites who rebelled in the wilderness but decreed that they would die without entering the Promised Land …including Moses.
  • God forgave King David for his adultery & murder but allowed the natural consequences to flow from his sin.
• When He does allow consequences to flow, it is to teach us and others not to sin again.
• Following God’s example you should remove any walls that stand between you and the repentant offender.
• It may also be appropriate to remove some of the consequences – like property damage costs for example, from a sincerely repentant person.

 

*However, there are extenuating circumstances from instances of severe injustice like rape, incest, abuse etc.

• Forgiving someone does not mean the offense never happened
• Forgiving someone does not mean you will ever forget
• Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you have to be friends
• Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you have to hang out with them
• Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you even have to see them again

 

In some cases the person may be prone to deceit, danger, manipulation, or intimidation.

 

However, we must give the offender opportunity to demonstrate true repentance, restitution, and consistent growth.

• Reconciliation may or may not be available someday
• This lengthy time period allows trust to be earned slowly

The key here is dealing with yourself.

• Forgiving sets YOU free.
• Forgiving lets God heal you & work on the other person HIS way.

 

Before we omit a very important consideration here in this whole issue of forgiveness let’s assess OUR contribution to the problem.

 

• Even if you did not start the dispute stop and consider:
  • Our lack of understanding
  • Our careless words
  • Our impatience & failure to respond in a loving manner
• If this happens it is easy to behave as though the other person’s sins cancel ours.
  • We then have a self-righteous attitude

 

We might also hold onto Sinful Attitudes & Unrealistic Expectations

• They may be consciously or unconsciously
• We can withhold forgiveness because we believe the offender must earn or deserve our forgiveness.
• We might want to punish others or make them suffer
• Maybe we want a guarantee that such an offense will never happen again.

 

This is totally inconsistent with God’s command & His style of forgiveness:

• There is no way we can earn or deserve God’s forgiveness (Romans 6:32)
• God also does not withhold forgiveness to punish people who have repented of their sins (1 John 1:9)
• God also does not demand our guarantee regarding future conduct. (Luke 17:3-4)

 

The bottom line is:

• Forgiveness is based upon repentance, NOT on guarantees!

Also ALWAYS REMEMBER:

““Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” The Lord will judge His people.” (Hebrews 10:30)

 

 

Part 3 at Miller Motorsports Park, September 12.

There we will meet both days to finish plus have an open discussion with question and answer time

 

 

Bibliography / References / Helps:

First & Foremost:  The Bible

Versions:

New King James

New American Standard

The Message

YWAM (Youth With A Mission)

MRO (Motor Racing Outreach)

Church On The Hill, Salem OR

Life Church, Salem OR

Books:

The Peacemaker

A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict

Ken Sande

Publisher: Baker Books

Chapel Service

Montana Raceway Park

August 7, 2010 – Part 1

“Mechanics of Forgiving”

Bob Butcher

Part 2:
Colorado National Speedway on August 14, 2010

Part 3:
Miller Motorsports Park September 12, 2010

Forgiveness is bolted together by the rules God sets forth in His rulebook.

As Christians we should be the most forgiving people in the world, however, as we all experience it is often difficult to do it genuinely and completely.

Without that we are not biblical when compared to what God says in Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against each other. Forgive like God forgave you!”

Think of that statement …or really …command …in light of the prayer you have prayed many times: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Matthew 6:12. Or, try living up to Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind & compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you.”

What would happen if God forgave you & me in exactly the same way as we forgive others all too often? …”I forgive you …but …we can’t be close …or …paybacks are a bear …or …I won’t forget that… etc.”

Truth is: …You CANNOT do it alone, PERIOD. You can try to stuff your feelings deep inside, try not to think about it, put on a false smile when you see them, or whatever your way of dealing with the hurt, betrayed trust, or anger that you feel, happens to be.

Unless you heart is changed by God, the memories and feelings will be lurking in the background, poisoning your thoughts and words, and preventing you from rebuilding the trust and relationship between you.

Forgiveness is a decision …BUT… we first must see what it is NOT:

• It is not a feeling …it is an act of the WILL
  • Forgiveness involves a series of decisions …the 1st being to call upon God to change our hearts.
• Forgiveness is not forgetting …it is an active process.
  • Forgetting is a passive process …the act fading from memory with passing time.
  • Forgiving demands an active process …a conscious choice and deliberate course of action.
    
  • We must call on God’s GRACE to consciously decide NOT to think or talk about what has been done to us.
  • It requires a LOT of EFFORT …especially when an offense is fresh in mind. …Fortunately, when we DECIDE to forgive & STOP dwelling on the offense, painful memories usually begin to fade.
• Forgiveness is NOT excusing. …Excusing says “That’s okay” and implies “What you did wasn’t really wrong” …or …” you couldn’t help it.”
  • Instead, Forgiveness is the OPPOSITE of excusing!
    
  • Forgiveness says: “We BOTH know what you did was wrong & without excuse, …BUT, since God has forgiven me, I forgive you.”
    
  • Because forgiveness deals HONESTLY with sin, it brings a freedom that no amount of excusing could provide.

The frequent failure in forgiving is keeping a mental record of the wrongs done & bringing them up again and again; or talks about them to others.

• To often out here, it also includes paybacks …& upping the ante.
  • Either one destroys relationships & deprives them of the peace and freedom that comes from genuine forgiveness.

To forgive somebody means to release them from liability to suffer punishment or penalty, …making this a COSTLY activity.

• Forgiveness is undeserved & cannot be earned (Luke 7: 40-43)
• When someone sins, they create a debt, and someone MUST pay.
• Most of this debt is owed to God. – In His great mercy He sent His Son to pay that debt on the cross for all who trust in Him.
• Part of the sin is owed to you & means YOU have a choice.
• You can either take payments on the debt or make payments.
  • By withholding forgiveness, dwelling on the wrong, gossiping, lashing back, seeking revenge, etc.
• These ALL extract a high price on YOU in the long run:
  • “Unforgiveness is the poison we drink, hoping the other person or persons will die.”

As I said, the price is high. You may need to bear certain effects of the other persons’ sin over a long period of time.

• This may involve you fighting with painful memories
• Speaking gracious words when you don’t want too.
• Working to tear down walls & be vulnerable with little trust
• Enduring consequences of physical/material injury the other person is unable or willing to repair.

As I said; forgiveness can be extremely costly, but if you believe in Jesus you have more than enough to make these payments. He established an “account of abundant grace” in YOUR name to draw from.

• As you draw on that grace through faith day by day, you find you will have all you need to make the payments of forgiveness.

Therefore, forgiveness is a decision to make four (4) promises:

1. “I will not dwell on this incident”
2. “I will not bring up this incident again & use it against you”
3. “I will not talk to others about this incident”
4. “I will not let this incident stand between our personal relationship

Remember as we go to part 2:

“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” The Lord will judge His people.” (Hebrews 10:30)

Still to be discussed:

• The timing of when you should forgive.
• What about repentance & consequences?
• Can you ever mention the sin again?
• Assessing your contribution to the problem.
• Recognizing sinful attitudes & expectations.
• Recognizing that God is working for good.

 

Bibliography / References / Helps:

First & Foremost:  The Bible

Versions:

New King James

New American Standard

The Message

YWAM (Youth With A Mission)

MRO (Motor Racing Outreach)

Church On The Hill, Salem OR

Life Church, Salem OR

Books:

The Peacemaker

A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict

Ken Sande

Publisher: Baker Books

 

Chapel Service

Portland International Raceway

July 18, 2010

“Racing Rhythm”

Bob Butcher

Today’s Chapel:  “Racing Rhythm”

You’ve all been to the track and seen the Drivers race. Everyone races; one wins. Race to win. All good Drivers train hard. It takes years of seat time & practice to gain that sweet rhythm.  They do it for a trophy that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s eternal.

 

(That is nothing more than 1 Corinthians 9:24, Gospel by Bob)

 

Life is like racing too.  We love being in a rhythm and running well.  You got it all down, confident.

 

Then,…BAM! … just like racing; we get rattled big-time when we get knocked a bit off track or something happens that  rattles us even if it isn’t our doing like a crew mistake on a pit stop.

 

Life was fine a moment ago, and now God allows or brings a test that you did not foresee.

 

Okay, you are way off rhythm now  …off the pace, focus interrupted or maybe mad and ready to do something stupid…

 

Stop here a moment and turn to the person next to you and tell them:

“you look pretty good for what you have been through!”

 

Often we need a calming influence like our Crew Chief on the radio, to catch our breath and get back focused and restore our rhythm.  That is totally, where God comes in during a life crisis.  An Owner, Crew Chief, Friend, Family cannot ever give you back the focus that requires the peace that ONLY God can bring because He knows the end from the beginning. (see Philippians 4:7)

 

Let me use this analogy:  “ You are here at Portland and everything is going great when all of a sudden out of turn 11 you are sideways, backwards, heading for the wall …

…blind in the dirt, tight grip on the wheel, knowing this is gonna hurt.

…this cars gonna be totaled…

…all the work the Owner, my Crew have put in is gonna be wasted…

…I might be out of a ride…

 

When you hear “ Let go & trust Me”…

“Who are you?”

“God” …just let go of the wheel and trust Me”

Your response?…

“Is there anybody else up there?”

 

Have you ever found yourself in a position where:…

…Your control is in question?

…Your faith is in question?

 

How many times have you prayed “My life is in your hands Lord”

…Then, how many times have you taken it back?

…Well, you are in good company …so did the Disciples …and me!

…consider them in the boat in the storm & He calmed the sea.

 

Or …consider kids when you are washing their hair & tell them…

…”Now …DON”T open your eyes …over & over, yet…”

What do they do? …They open their eyes & the whole deal goes south.

 

Isn’t that what we do to God?

 

John 14:1 says: “Don’t let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me…”

The wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs 3:5-7 says:

“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and do not lean on you own understanding.

…In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

…Do not be wise in your own eyes!”

 

Proverbs is full of scripture that alludes to the fact that…

“If you trust in yourself, then you are a fool…

…But those who trust in God will never be disappointed”

 

So today…

Let me express Philippians 4:7 this way (In The Gospel by Bob):

“When your rhythm gets broken …don’t fret or worry. That only leads deeper into fear.  Instead, …pray!  Let God know your deepest concerns with petitions and then praise. Before you know it, God will settle you down and bring peace that defies all comprehension and put you back in rhythm, …maybe not the way you see it; but bringing everything together for good in His big picture. This peace will control the way you think and feel and guard your heart against worry and fear.  This kind of trust will allow God to do something beyond anything you ever expected”

Get in a rhythm today

&

Have a safe and prosperous race today!

Bob ♥ Kathy Butcher

Chaplains / Pastors to:

NASCAR K & N Pro Series West

Bob is not paid by NASCAR or by MRO.

Bob is a volunteer and pays his expenses by donations received.

If you wish to donate, please ask for an envelope.

Please make the check out to MROA and do not put Bob’s name on the check so to follow IRS tax-deductible donation law.

MRO wishes you to now send all donations directly to Bob & Kathy and they will forward you a tax-deductible receipt from their ministry which works in an alliance with MRO.

You can contact them at:

503.910.9310

BobnKathy.MROA@gmail.com

7085 Battlecreek Road SE, Salem, OR 97317

Chapel Service

Toyota Speedway

July 3, 2010

 

“Independence Day”

Bob Butcher

Hopefully, following the last Chapel at Infineon you have had time to ponder the simple word …or short phrase spoken by Jesus that included so much power, wisdom, teaching & understanding which, when pondered, …you found yourself seeing & comprehending things far more deeply than meets the eye at the casual glance.

 

Today, let’s look at Independence Day.  Our nation adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776 which set our nation free from so many types of tyranny and fears complicating life.

In our lives today there is another kind of tyranny that 2000 some years ago Christ Jesus dealt with on a cross and proclaimed a declaration of independence on each of our behalf.

He satisfied a righteous, just, but fair, God’s demands upon mankind which allowed those who trust in Him to be sure of eternal life with Himself.

He set us free and gave us our independence from the tyranny of sin and death when He proclaimed …”It is Finished!”  (John 19:30)

 

Consider the following:

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.”  (Galatians 3:13)

 

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus …For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”      (Romans 8:1-2)

 

“Stand fast …in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.” (Galatians 5:1)

BUT … Freedom is dangerous in the hands of those who do not know how to use it.  Just look around our nation today.  From our own government to criminals confined behind bars, barbed wire & concrete walls …the examples can run wild.

It is the same spiritually for us.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Christian life.  Believers are free from the law’s curse, it’s penalty, and its guilt-producing power.

Fear, anxiety, and guilt are replaced by peace, forgiveness, and liberty.  Who could be more free than one who is free in the depths of his soul?

But here is where we often fail.  We use freedom’s luxury to live selfishly, or we claim ownership of what God has merely entrusted to us.

We are becoming a nation of individuals who selfishly insist on our own rights, making unfair demands on others and not thinking of their welfare. History clearly reveals that whenever a nation ignores God and rejects His Word, it reaps a bitter harvest.

NOR …do we hear or think of the rights of God …who paid for this freedom of ours.  We should be producing fruits of love & obedience instead of the wild fruit of ingratitude and wickedness. (Isaiah 5:2 & Galatians 6:13)

Those of us who have been Christians for a long time often forget what it’s like to be hostage to sin.  We can become complacent and even ungrateful.

If freedom has become boring to you, or if you tend to focus on what you can’t do, consider this again:

…”Not only are you no longer a slave to sin, but you are freed to be holy and to enjoy life with Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:22)

 

Lets celebrate our freedom today by taking time to thank God for the things we are able and free to do as His servant!

…Living for Christ brings true freedom.

…Freedom doesn’t give us the right to do what we please, but to do what    pleases God …His way.

…Our greatest freedom is freedom from sin.

Celebrate! Make YOUR Declaration of Independence!

Hahaha …lets set off the fireworks show in heaven to celebrate God’s work in our lives …we can do that EVERY day!

Have a safe and prosperous race today!

 

Enjoy the fireworks!

Bob ♥ Kathy Butcher

Chaplains / Pastors to:

NASCAR K & N Pro Series West

Bob is not paid by NASCAR or by MRO.

Bob is a volunteer and pays his expenses by donations received.

If you wish to donate, please ask for an envelope.

 

  Please make the check out to MROA and do not put Bob’s name on the check so to follow IRS tax-deductible donation law.

 

MRO wishes you to now send all donations directly to Bob & Kathy and they will forward you a tax-deductible receipt from their ministry which works in an alliance with MRO.

 

You can contact them at:

503.910.9310

BobnKathy.MROA@gmail.com

7085 Battlecreek Road SE, Salem, OR 97317