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ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES

This year's NBA Most Improved Player Award was given to Indiana Pacer Jalen Rose. He was the leading scorer for the Pacers averaging over 18 points a game. It was the first season since 1988-89 that someone other than Reggie Miller led Indiana in this category.

If the Pacers beat the Knicks to advance to the NBA Finals, Rose's ability to create his own shots will play a significant role.

You may have heard the story of Jalen Rose and his father, former NBA player Jimmy Walker. During the 1999 playoffs, Peter Vescey did a feature on Rose and Walker on NBC's Showtime.

According to the story Jalen Rose has never met his father. Rose told Vescey that he had tried to call Walker but was never able to reach him. There has never been relationship between this father and child.

As a youngster growing up, Jalen discovered his father was a well-known NBA player. He could get into playground basketball games with older kids by telling them his dad was Jimmy Walker.

He carried his father's basketball card in his sock at all times. It was proof to the other kids that Jalen really was the son of an NBA player. Perhaps it was a reminder to Rose himself. Sadly this basketball card was the closest thing to a relationship with his dad that Rose had.

Sometimes people have a similar relationship with God. They may carry a Bible. They may carry a cross, a bracelet and other symbols of God with them wherever they go. They may go to church and Bible studies, and yet not really have a relationship. They may know of God, Yet not know Him personally. Like Jalen, they lack a relationship with the Father.

The basketball card that Jalen carried in his sock was a poor substitute for his real desire--a relationship with his dad. While Jalen's attempts to connect with his father have misfired, there is no missing when we call out to God the Father.

The Bible says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13) Our Heavenly Father answers every time.

God's desire is for an authentic relationship, as well. I challenge you to take a hard look at your relationship with God. Does it involve authentic heart-to-heart communication with God the Father?

Does it involve complete acceptance of His gift to you, His Son? Do you depend upon His Holy Spirit for your counseling and strength? Or do you, too, simply "carry a card" as your evidence of a relationship.

If so-call your Father today. Tell God you're going to trust Him with your life and you want Him to be in charge. Ask God to forgive you for your failures and ask God to fill you with His presence. Christ will be your coach. God will be your Father. And you will have peace with God the Father in His Son Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit.

Christ my Coach,

Steve Teel