Joy is a Journey

 

joy copy

Often in life, we face opportunities with dread and we worry about our performance and the way we will be judged on that performance. We danced around our abilities, make excuses for talents we don’t process and generally try to set the bar low so we can succeed. We are so afraid to look bad, and so fearful that others may think we have no business trying to stretch, that we miss out on the joy of trying.

That is not the way we were created

“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:5 NLT

God’s adoption of us is a rescue of every creative part of our soul. It liberates the stagnant, lifeless core of our heart and frees it to not only experience life, but to express it as well. It’s not about the gifts or talents (or the lack of), it’s about love… we share life because we love Him.

That’s the journey of joy

This past Sunday, the youth ran our church service, from worship to closing, and it was beautiful. Although many that served yesterday are actively involved normally, this was an opportunity for them to listen to God in a whole new way. For my daughter Sarah, this was a step of faith, the Father gave her a word to share and she had to trust that she wasn’t going to “ruin church” by being obedient. Here is the recording of that word, I hope you’ll listen (it’s only about 5 mins.) and be blessed. I know it blessed my heart to see her step up and be used by Father God in such a new and powerfully encouraging way.






We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them." Psalm 126:2

Comments

Bill (cycleguy) said…
What a great message. I also caught the "I have my dad's Bible...it has some anointing on it." Can there be any better tribute to a father? That is one insightful daughter.
Jay Cookingham said…
Yep...she won major brownie points with that one! The ministry time that followed was a blessing as well.
marthaorlando said…
Jay, I so wanted to hear your daughter's message, but I couldn't get it to play. :( I'll try again later.
I have a daughter named Sarah, too!
Blessings!
Jay Cookingham said…
Martha...you can go here as well....thanks!

http://sermon.net/bbcchurch
Rick Dawson said…
Thanks for including the link, Jay - it doesn't show up in my browser at all (Firefox, latest edition). Going to the link in 5...4...3...

What a gift!! God *can* speak through anything - we need but to listen. Can we give Him our hearts to listen with as well?
floyd said…
What amazing things the Lord has done for you and your wife! Your obedience and heart is living in your daughter. She's great and a natural. We really do lose perspective and I know I needed to be reminded of that today. Thanks to my Father, you, and your daughter. What a heart.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Floyd, I think she's a natural as well but I'm a little partial!
marthaorlando said…
Oh, Jay, Sarah did a marvelous job! Her message and her delivery of it brought a smile to my face. :)
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Martha! She brought a smile to my face as well!
What an awesome word. You must be a very proud papa.
Jay Cookingham said…
Oh I is bro...I is!
TCAvey said…
What a beautiful message from your daughter. Thank you for sharing. It brought tears to my eyes as I think of how backwards our world is- we value the wrong things.


I'm so glad God makes us all different. I'm so glad God hangs my scribbles on His fridge!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks TC! You're right...we need to value life as God does!

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