Manup Moment - Jay Cookingham

You see, I started to feel that way this past week, even though it was a great week. I left something far too long in the cold, dark part of my heart…and it needed to come out. I needed to remember this verse in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

For a visionary guy like me; disappointments seem to be a close companion to the whole casting vision thing.

During my time of prayer and reflection I asked God a question. Father…what’s wrong with me?

I love the movie Braveheart and in my opinion the movie is a powerful metaphor for spiritual warfare.

I am! One vacation, Father God impressed on me a new word. That word was Foregivegracefulness. This new lingo of mine is the blending of forgiveness and grace, the wonderful ability to look beyond faults, intent, character flaws and forgive.

Who has your heart? Do you remember the first time you heard that God loved you?

Exploring the female heart is adventurous; it needs our own heart to be fully engaged.

I absolutely love being married, of course having the perfect wife helps but I am so thankful that Christine decided to accept my proposal 30 years ago. This awesome adventure we share is a constant reminder that God is good and that marriage is good for me.

My peace comes in spite of my circumstance because I am with Him…abiding, focusing, and communing with the Lord of the winds and waves

How do I carry out the Great Commission in my everyday life…where should I go?

Today I pray that God will totally work you over. Now, before you get mad at me listen to 1st Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” This is why a Band of Brothers is a tactical source of strength. Having such a company is not easy; not for me any way. Sometimes, it’s looking into the eyes of a brother and telling him what he doesn't want to hear but needs to.

Watching the Band of Brothers series moves me every time, I get carried away by the stories of those brave men of Easy Company. I watch in admiration of their dedication to the cause even though they hated the war. These are good men, I wish I knew them. I’m glad I know the men in my company, let me tell you about them.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Recently I have been watching my DVD copy of the HBO series Band of Brothers, which tells the story of Easy Company in World War II. I love listening to the actual accounts of the men who went through extreme sacrifice for their country and for each other. Years have passed and these men talk about their “brothers” like they were still in the foxholes with them…their bond was that intimate and deep.

Everybody, if they’re honest with themselves, feel afraid sometimes. Feeling afraid is not the issue…being controlled by that fear is.

How do we handle heartbreak like the one in Newtown, Connecticut? Or the fact that there are 143 thousand orphans in the world today. What do we do with 27 million who are sold into slavery? The world is full of hardship, evil and suffering. How can I effectively counter such darkness?

John 15:16 talks about a great choice that God has made… “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you.” John 15:16 I like the word chosen, don’t you?

Mark 1:17 says this… “Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 This the greatest ongoing invitation ever given…nothing else compares. Entrance to the Kingdom of God is open and available.

You do you know…In the book of Mark we read "And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach." Mark 3:14 In this passage Jesus speaks purpose (he appointed) and identity (he named), which only happens...with Him. The journey as a disciple has to be WITH the Master, there is no purpose or identity without Him.

Why do we need courage to be a gatekeeper? Because there is an enemy who has a world view that involves lying, cheating and destroying lives. That includes our families and our communities.