Intimacy & Tension

     For so long in my walk with the Lord, I would hear Him gently reveal areas in my heart that needed attention, and then I would use all my strength trying to fix my issues. I didn't stay around long enough in prayer to hear Him say, "Let me have your brokenness, because that's why I am here."

     I have since discovered that my greatest times of INTIMACY with Jesus is when my flaws run into His perfect Love. When my darkened heart crashes into HIS Grace.  The intimacy is found in the TENSION of a Holy God deciding to love His broken child.

"Let It Rain"

Revival is coming.

The ball is rolling and it's picking up speed as I have seen leaders in this community praying together for God's presence to fall on us like rain.

Here is what is on my heart;

For far too long, people everywhere in churches all across our country have looked at GRACE as something  that abolished the NEED for repentance. Not So.

It is through God's grace and mercy where we learn our true nature and the need for transparency and confession to God for when our hearts betray us. Jesus is our Savior but the Lord still needs our repentant heart to grow us, mature us, and dwell with us.

Grace is AMAZING!  Repentance is simply turning around again to catch a glimpse of it.

Revival comes through God's grace into our individual repentant hearts. The ball is rolling and it's picking up speed.

Revival is coming.

Let it Rain.

"Toll Booth Christianity"

     What's the common theme these days?  Busy.  But when you ask how people are doing, the response then is  always followed by a qualifying statement.

Example:  "Hey, how are you? I haven't seen you in a while."

Answer:  "Oh, you know, same ole same ole. Just very busy! But it's all good though."

     The qualifying statement of, "it's all good though," is there to make sure no one can challenge our busyness.  Heaven forbid if someone actually cared enough to challenge us in our busyness, which is eating away at us and causing us stress and not fulfilling us in any way shape or form! (But it's all good though.)

     One of the questions I often get is, "how do I know what God's will is?"  Good question.

     Let's start with an assessment of where we are as Christians. Our lives on average don't differ at all in any statistic when compared to non-Christians. (Divorce rate, Suicide rate, financial woes etc...). We as Christians are not sure why we believe what we believe and if pressed for a answer we just get mad and quote a scripture that makes us feel better.

     Maybe we have turned God into a non-factor when it comes to fulfilling our lives with meaning. Has God become the worker in the "toll booth" of our cultural Christianity?  We slow down just long enough to pay our dues and then speed off into our busy lives again, going where we want to go. Even worse, some feel that they have been a Christian long enough that they don't even have to slow down. They have earned the coveted "Fast Pass" and they think no matter how fast they fly through the "toll area" on the proverbial Sunday Highway to Heaven that it doesn't even matter if they get it right.

Here is what I believe God would want the common theme to be these days;

     Be still, and know that I am God.  Wait upon His council. Slow down.  Get out of your car and shake hands with the toll booth worker, because you need Him to remember who you are. In the Big Picture of Life, He is more interested in YOU than wherever it is you think you are going.

Close Your Eyes and Jump!

     I got a phone call from a friend not long ago, and he was asking questions about God and what being a Christian was all about. It wasn't long before I realized my friend was struggling to make sense of his life.  I listened and I tried to answer some questions and encouraged as much as I could. When the phone call ended, I began to regret that I didn't speak more to the simple act of Faith that God wants from us all. Instead of trying to answer all the specific questions people may have about God, sometimes we just need to say, "Close your eyes and JUMP!" He will catch you. Soon after the call, God impressed upon me to write this down to send it to my friend.

     Imagine a small child standing at the edge of a long wooden pier. Beyond the edge of the pier is a beautiful lake. The water is inviting and only a few feet away.  The child's father is out in the water about waist deep with his arms outstretched towards his son. The father says, "C'mon, jump, I will catch you! Don't worry, I will be right here and you will love it"!  The child is hesitant, but does want to be with his father. Even though the pier is providing some stability and safety, the child knows deep down he would rather be with his father.

     A leap of faith is all it will take but the unknown is sometimes too much to handle so the child begins to ask questions.  "What's it like out there", the child asks, "and are you sure you can catch me?"

     "I can, and I will", the father responds, "all you must do is trust me." The child is still unsure but his father is ever patient and continues to hold his arms outstretched towards his son as he waits.

     Finally, the child realizes he doesn't want to be alone anymore and the desire to be with his father is overwhelming so he leaps off the edge of the pier. When he opens his eyes he sees he is safely in the arms of his father. Both are laughing and overjoyed to be together in the water and having fun.

      The child now understands his father can be trusted so he climbs out of the water back onto the pier, and wants to do it again and again. But now, each time the child jumps  his father has moved out a little farther. With each jump, the child's faith is proved true and rewarded because his father catches him every time!

     What happens next is the best part and something the father knew all along. His child now leads all of his brothers and sisters to the edge of that same pier and says;

 "Jump!  It's okay he will catch you. I have stood where you are standing and you just have to trust him. He can, and he will catch you! But you have to jump before He can prove it to you. C'mon! Close your eyes and jump!"

   
   

   

"Take the Suit"

I remember the day that a friend of mine gave me a suit that he didn't want anymore. I took it home and it didn't fit me, so I put it in my closet. I had every intention of donating it to Goodwill or selling it on Craigslist. So, fast-forward two years and guess what?  The suit was still hanging in my closet. I thought I would get smart and actually bring it to my office where I would see it everyday and then I would be reminded to donate it. Nope. It still hung there for another six months or so.

Now, I know why.  God had other plans for the suit.

While sitting in my office one day preparing for a sermon and  I happened to look over at the suit hanging there. I was about ready to start beating myself up again for not donating the suit sooner, when I heard a whisper in my spirit say,..."Take the Suit". I sat there for a moment, and then again,..."Take the Suit".

You see, I was getting ready to head out the door to go visit an after school program called "Imagine If". I know some of the great people and volunteers who run this program for kids, and I wanted to show my support. So, as I headed out the door, yep...I grabbed the suit and flung it over my shoulder.

When I walk into the gym where Imagine If is having their program I see over 80 kids running around having a blast because it's exercise time. I am looking around and smiling at the volunteers giving them the thumbs up and feeling quite awkward because I am standing there holding a $500 suit for no apparent reason. But then, I look over and a relative of one of the kids had walked through the door. She had come to pick up her nephew. When I looked over, everything went quiet in my mind. "Take the Suit" was all I heard. I walked over and introduced myself as the Pastor of one of the supporting churches of Imagine If.  She said, "Nice to meet you, I am here to pick up my nephew."  I responded with, "Do you need a suit?"  She said, "Excuse me?"  I took a deep breath, and said it again. "Do you know of anyone who needs a suit?"  LONG PAUSE...she said, "What size is it?"  I told her. "Are you serious," she said, "my husband is in desperate need of a suit, and that is his EXACT size."  I said, "Here is your suit."

God knows where everyone one is on the planet. He knows what all of our needs are. He also knows if we are patient but yet obedient to His voice, we will see HIM do AMAZING things.

Imagine If, I hadn't taken the suit.   Now, Imagine If there was no Imagine If.  Listen for His voice today.

"God Brought Mello"

My oldest son will be graduating high school in a few weeks and I wanted to do something special with him and create a lasting memory. I had a trip all planned out to drive to New York City and take in a N.Y. Knicks game at Madison Square Garden! My son is a Knicks fan and has always enjoyed watching Carmello Anthony (Mello) play in the NBA. We had the hotel room booked, and even a connection that had us getting some great tickets for the game. I asked a couple of awesome Christian friends to ride along and continue to mentor my son in ways that I know will help him in life. Everything was set.....then.....THE BLIZZARD HIT.

Yes, the blizzard came along that weekend and hit New York and other parts of the east coast. We knew it wouldn't be wise to try and make the trip and although it dampened our spirits, we understood it was the right thing to do. I kept trying to find another weekend in N.Y. that would fit our busy schedules but it just wasn't coming together.  Little did I know that God had a plan. God Brought "Mello".
One of the guys who was going to N.Y. with us asked if we would be interested in seeing the Knicks vs. Pacers in Indianapolis. He had connections and thought he could probably find us some tickets. Even though it wasn't the father-son manhood trip to N.Y. City that made me look like a hero I said, "Sure, why not."  So, upon arrival at the game, we find out that our seats were even better than expected. But that's not even the good part. At halftime, we went down and met the person who arranged our tickets and we were asked if we would like to go onto the court and stand by the Pacer's bench and shake their hands as they were coming  out for the second half of play. Obviously, we said yes.

Here's where it gets good.  As we are walking out onto the floor in front of about 15,000 people to take our spots at the Pacer's bench, we all notice at the same time; the New York Knicks were right next to us! They had come back out for the second half and were warming up right behind us.They were on our end of the floor. As my son and I turned and realized the entire Knicks team was within 10 feet of us, we also realized that God had put us there. The chain of events that led us there that night were a true blessing from the Lord. Sometimes you don't realize it, until God has you in place for an exact "moment in time" or the "Ah Ha" moment. For my son and I, there was no doubt as we stood 10 feet from "Mello" that this was a moment we would never forget. Make no mistake, I love God, and I love my family, but even I couldn't have made this moment happen....God did it. God brought the Knicks...and God brought "Mello".

Familiar Inspiration

I haven't been a Senior Pastor long but it occurred to me it's been awhile since I was able to just go to church.  You know, just show up and sit down with others and worship and hear the word of God. I had an opportunity to attend a Saturday night service at my former place of worship and listen to MY PASTOR preach. It wasn't long before I felt the old familiar inspiration that drove me first to my knees, then to be baptized, and then eventually out the front door.

Yes, it was my Pastor who did all those things, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is where I was born anew with the Spirit of God firmly entrenched in my heart. It was my Pastor who baptized me, and helped me in ways he knows nothing about.  It was sitting and listening and learning. It was processing my heart's cry to go into ministry with my Pastor who would always encourage but never push. Then, finally out the door I went. Following God's call on my life, but never forgetting all I owe to Jim Lyon and the people I love at Madison Park Church of God.

It was familiar inspiration, from a familiar person and I will be forever thankful that I am familiar with both.

God Speed,

Jay

"...Am I My Brother's Keeper?"

When I read this verse in Genesis with God inquiring to the whereabouts of Cain's brother Abel, I always "flinch" when I read Cain's answer.

" I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4: 9b NRSV)

There is an implied tone there that I always think about and maybe because that is just the way I read it, but it seems pretty smarmy to me. It's the kind of tone that would have gotten me in trouble as a yute. (youth; for all of you who have never seen "My Cousin Vinny".)

God obviously knows and is asking rhetorically about what happened to Abel. Cain either doesn't know who he is talking to or was the very first punk with an attitude that so permeates our society today. What I don't like about Cain, is the fact that I see some of this from time to time in my own life. There have been many times in my life that I have an attitude of  " hey it's not my problem, don't bother me."  The real problem with that statement is that I think we all know God expects more from us.

That is why it was so refreshing to see the genuine mutual respect between the brother's Harbaugh. For those of you who just emerged from a bunker to see if the Mayans were right:  IT"S SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!!  COME ON OUT EVERYTHING IS OKAY!!  The two head coaches for the teams in this year's SuperBowl are brothers; Jim and John Harbaugh. It doesn't matter what team you like or even if you like these men. What I witnessed at a dual press conference were two brothers who had genuine love and respect for one another. Given the circumstance that they both understand that when the game clock goes 00:00 ; one will be happy and one will be devastated, they still have the utmost genuine respect and love for each other. I loved watching them compliment each other with words of affirmation and believe me, it wasn't just for the camera.  It's easy to spot when true admiration, love, and respect are the foundation of brotherly love. There is every reason for each of them to despise each other right now, and turn jealous and or devious in their efforts to win at all cost....kind of like Cain did. But not these two. The brothers Harbaugh will both be fine no matter what happens. Even when the cameras are turned off.

"...am I my brother's keeper?'     I hope so, because God certainly would prefer it that way.

Bad Timing

There is a time for......EVERYTHING.  We read in the Bible that there is a time for everything.  A time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to dance and a time to mourn. The list goes on and I am sure many of us have heard these types of references at some time in our life, but how much time have we spent thinking about these seasons of life?

One thing I have discovered in my quiet time with God and reading His word is that too often I misuse these truths to my advantage. In other words, I don't allow the natural consequences of my actions or decisions to be the seeds for growth that God intends. I know there is a time to weep, but I will cover that up to protect my false identity with the world. Or worse, I only have moments of sadness or disappointment when I get caught doing something wrong.  There is a time to laugh, but often times it comes at the expense of someone elses shortcomings or situation. There is a time to dance, but once again I'm often insensitive to others plight  when I should be mourning with them in their unfortunate circumstances. Too many times I find myself selfishly dancing in the pride of my own accomplishments with no regard for my immediate surroundings. BAD TIMING.

I believe God wants us to experience a full range of emotions in the right way so we can grow and become the spiritually mature people He desires. I for one need to have better timing in my seasons of the day, the month, or year as they relate to what is going on around me. I want to become a better follower of Jesus by being alert to my surroundings and thinking of others first even if it means putting off my season of dance, so I can join someone else in their season of mourning.

Jay

The Judas Effect

It's hard to look inward at our own hearts sometimes because we know we will see. As I read an exchange between Jesus and Judas in John's Gospel, I get very uncomfortable.  Jesus is flat out rejecting what seems to be a logical response that Judas makes in reference to the "wasteful" use of the perfume that has been poured on Jesus' feet. The point Judas makes is one that I hear each day in my ministry. Except, we call it good stewardship.  Judas notices how Mary took a pint of very expensive perfume and poured it all on the feet of Christ. The response Judas had is one that was quite obvious when he said, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?" (John 12: 5 NIV)

Ah, but what seems to be logical on the surface often reveals the hearts real motivation. This is why I get uncomfortable when I know there is a good chance that I have some of the same attributes as Judas. It's what I call the "Judas Effect".  So often, what we complain about in others is exactly what reveals our own selfish hearts motivation.  Judas could care less about the poor.  He was indignant at the lost opportunity to sell that perfume and keep the money. Judas wasn't trying to be a good steward or further the cause of Christ, because the truth is,his heart was divided.  Jesus knew this and exposed it by admonishing Judas and giving credibility to Mary for her willingness to love Jesus in an abundant sign of commitment to Him.

We know that Judas was on the fence with Jesus because soon after this incident he went and made at deal to turn Jesus over to the authorities. Judas had his heart revealed by Jesus in a way that only Jesus can do. But, Jesus still loved Judas. 

Take a look at your heart today. Don't be on the fence, or try to be a good steward for Jesus with your emotions, your finances, or your life. Spend it all on Him. He already spent His life for you.

Peace.
Jay

UNLEASHED

Think for a minute.  Actually, I wish I could think for only a minute because it seems like all I every do is THINK!

It starts in the morning when I wake up, and it doesn't stop until I fall asleep at night. But even then I don't even get the benefit from knowing I am not thinking. That's not even fair! So, in a sense I am always thinking about something.

I believe this is why God makes it clear in scripture that we are to transform our life by renewing our minds. (Romans 12:2) I also can't help but notice in the New Testament how often God uses words like remember, or don't forget.  Why?  Because our minds are always at work and it seems whatever we choose to focus on the most, becomes a part of who we are.

What about you?  Does your thinking get bogged down with worry or negative thinking? Do you constantly fill your mind with the "What If" scenarios and the "Who Wronged Me" file folders of the brain.  It is real work sometimes carrying around all that data. Especially when it does you no good.  When our minds are filled with the things that God says we shouldn't be holding onto then it becomes very difficult to see Him and to hear Him is near impossible.

There are several times that Jesus when talking to people, would focus on what was holding them back in their emotional state that caused them to not clearly hear Him and see who He was.  Jesus would very often address the emotional and physical and then come in to redeem the spiritual.

Are you are having trouble hearing Jesus like you used to, or even worse, maybe you have never heard His voice calling you. Lay down your desire to fight an emotional war that you can't win.  Unleash yourself from the things that bind you and take His hand. Let the renewing of your mind begin today. Your mind is always working, so why not Unleash it to think about the incredible Love that Jesus has for you and others.

Live Life to the Full!

Peace.

Simple Prayer

Have you ever asked yourself “Am I praying right?”  So many times we get caught up in trying to follow the “Rules” of prayer and forget why we pray.  Prayer is simply talking to God!  It’s about relationship with God!  And as you know, any relationship requires communication to grow.

It is through pray that we communicate and fellowship with God.  He does not care if you follow some sort of arbitrary guideline or rul.  In truth, it is your heart and sincerity that matters to him.

So through out the rule book…God wants you to pray anyway, anywhere, anytime about anything!