This will be the start of a series of two messages dealing with the need of tuning up our lives for the Lord. We in the Anderson area are all well aware of the Indy 500. My wife and myself both rue the day of all the racing info that we are bombarded with during the month of May. First it is practice and all the talk of rookies and of course the older names we know, then qualification days, carburetor day, and last, "The Race."

"I do not care for the race Bro. Gary," you may say. Let us consider another great race -- ours, for the Lord. How are you racing? Do you have enough fuel? Good tires? Good suspension? The right crew? Do you have a race plan? A sponsor? Are you ready????

I have identified five (5) basic things that are needed to race effectively. Today I want to look at the first two, our sponsor and our car.

• Sponsor that is capable (God is capable)
• Pays the cost - Jn. 3.16
• Provides the car -
• Pays the personnel
• Plans the process
• Pleased with our loyalty

• Car (church) that can compete
• Meets specifications - You know you can’t just make a car do what ever you want and expect to race. We must have one that is in God’s plan.
• Builder is God
• Leader is Christ - vs.2
• Blueprint is the Word

• One that works
• Engine that runs - Driven by desire

• Fuel - clean burning, explosive, consistent,
• Fire - plugs, connective wiring,
• Durable - oil, filters, balance,

• Transmission - Directed by love - we can have the shiniest, fastest, best looking, etc., but if we lack love to send us the right way, we fail.

• All the power in the world but not transmitted…via love.
• Ability to adapt for the need - change gears for the hills, curves, etc.
• On track - right direction (forward) What if our only gears are reverse???????? Is our view right or are we looking out the back?

• Steering (where are you going) - On track by His Word
• Our steering: It is His Word that guides us
• Our steering: It is His Word that glues us together
• Our steering: It is His Word that prevents crashes
• Our steering: It is His Word that helps us adjust to match changing conditions

• Suspension and support - Held up by the comfort

• It is our tires that must withstand heat and wear.
• It is our tires that must match the car, track, weather, etc. (No temptation given us that God won't help us overcome!)
• It is our tires that can cause us to spin out when we lack support.
• It is our tires that can be changed so easily - we can help support and comfort those that are struggling with their "driving."

• Radio - The Holy Spirit helps keep us in line and communicates with us(similar to radio in cars) He is the Crew chief
• He will direct (convict) us if we let Him - do we really listen?
• He will tell us we need to come in for fuel - are you energized?
• He will warn us of hazards and things to avoid - are you headed the wrong way?.
• He will listen to our needs and concerns - cast all your cares upon Him!
• He will have help available if needed - He is touchable today.
• He knows where the fire-extinguishers are located - He can cure sin in your life. He can help the discouraged.
• He knows how much fuel we have, etc. He knows where you stand, where you have been, and where you are going, and if you want to get there!
• He is calling to you today - Will you listen to his call?????