What a Year Has Given Me


THE YEAR
January 2014 marks my first year as a pastor, a 12 month odyssey that gave me just a glimpse of how much my heart would have to grow. This growth has surprised me at times and frustrated me when I thought I was already “finished” in certain areas of my development as a leader.

Surprise, surprise.

The small band of believers that I follow Christ with, is a love God, love each other, love people,fantastic group of hearts… I am honored to be a part of their journey. Most I have known for many years, a few have entered my life just recently, all have challenged me to grow deeper in my relationship with the Father.

This is what happens when you conspire together.

The word "Conspire" has a bad rap and even a negative connotation. It comes from the Latin verb "conspirare" meaning "to breathe together." It’s a great word picture of closeness, and of a bond that only Christ can form between hearts. This is what the year has given me, a grand opportunity to share my breath with some of the greatest hearts on the planet.

For this I am grateful and honored to be joint followers with you all.
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. (10) In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (11) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (12) No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” - 1 John 4:9-12 ESV

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Comments

Bill (cycleguy) said…
Congrats on the year jay. Amazing what God puts together and how things work when HE does. Can't wait to hear more.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Bill...I have enjoyed it and thank God for every moment of growth!
marthaorlando said…
Happy "Pastorversary", Jay! Wonderful!
I also love how you've redefined conspire for us - breathe together - exactly what we, as Christians, should do.
Blessings!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks sista! Father God has been so powerfully kind through this "start-up"!
Bob Balkcom said…
Congratulations, Jay. Amazing how God leads.
Michael Kimball said…
May you ever shepherd those Father brings into your care with love and compassion. And may He keep you ever growing, redeeming every aspect of your life as He continues to nurture the Elder He has blessed us with!
floyd said…
Me too, Jay. Keep running the good race, brother.
jasonS said…
Amen. What a privilege it is to join with hearts and lives, even though it's a mystery how the Body of Christ comes together. It amazes me! God is good. Thanks for this encouragement, Jay.
Jay Cookingham said…
Running right beside ya my brutha!
Jay Cookingham said…
That's a great prayer brother...I appreciate that...and you!
HisFireFly said…
conspire
love.this.

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