"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.