Chaplain's Corner!

Most kart chassis take quite a beating during a yearıs worth of racing. There are the G forces of the turns, the rough surfaces in the groove of the turns and the off-track excursions that some of us take. Then thereıs the hard braking, the weight of the driver and even the vibrations from the motor affect the frame by changing its shape. The end result is a poor-handling kart that results in poor lap times and bad finishes. I have heard many comments of how having the frame professionally straightened has put the racer back in the race with top finishes. To accomplish this straightening, everything must be stripped off the kart except for the steering mechanism with spindles. This is usually a winter break project because of the work involved, especially for me.

In many ways our lives can be out of kilter resulting in relationship struggles, employment problems, the use of alcohol and drugs, and even lack of respect for the law. We are all born into a sinful world, and as life goes on we are going to suffer various hurts. These hurts can come from the divorce of our parents, putdowns by peers, or just the great need within us for love and acceptance which no human can ever meet. Because we are sinners we are easily drawn and given to those things that have a negative effect on our souls. The word sin means missing the mark, like an archer missing the target. God has identified that mark by the Ten Commandments, which we are to obey. We not only miss the mark, but also in many cases are ignorant of it, donıt care or even defy it. Whichever way it happens, we still end up with an "ill handling" soul.

As I have said before, only God our maker can be the master "straightener." He has provided the healing necessary. In Isaiah 53, the prophecy given hundreds of years before Christıs crucifixion, it ways: "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

God meets the need for love in our lives. 1 John 3: 1-3 says: "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! Š When he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." Talk about having your soul "straightened" from human hurts. How about power over the draw of evil? Romans 8:11: "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." All of this comes through faith with a growing knowledge of Godıs Word. Thatıs the winter break of time and the work of the master.

Chaplain Ken