Jonathan L Cobler

Being with Pastor Jack is an amazing experience.  I am continually stuck with the humility and depth that proceeds from his character.  It would be an understatement to say that at times it is hard to keep up with Pastor Jack’s intellectual train of thought.  It would also be an understatement to say that Pastor Jack has a few good ideas.  The thing that makes me want to engage with him more than his vast wisdom and ministry success is the fact that he has served Jesus faithfully for decades, been in love AND faithful to the same woman for 50 years – AND is still going as strong now as he ever has before.  I want that kind of spirit in my life!
Here are some of the statements that stood out to me over the last two days…

We won’t discover what we won’t let Him uncover

What’s a disciple? A disciple is a replication of the person, character, ministry, love grace and power of Jesus Christ.

Ministry that functions in Kingdom resources always outlives and out-produces ministry cultivated with man’s best resources.

The move of God does not come from the procedures, it comes from His presence

Worship is the key to evangelism (not worship as a music style to reach people), because worship introduces people to the presence of God-and when people meet God, they know it.

What is the Ministry of the Church:

The ministry of Worship (to the Lord)
The ministry of Fellowship (to the believers)
The ministry of Evangelism (to the world)

Here are some thoughts from Pastor Jack:

-Leadership and discipleship are in two entirely different categories

-The Church should always maintain the priority of discipleship above leadership

-Leadership is a gift — discipleship is not a gift, it’s a duty

-Journaling is for an audience of One, not to become the next "My Utmost for His Highest"

-Keeping a tender heart before the Lord is the most fundamental thing a Pastor does

More to come.

I spent my first 2 hours with Pastor Jack and a handful of other pastors this evening.  We went over the schedule for the next few days and two things stood out: 1 we are going to eat well! 2 buckle up, it’s going to be deep.  During some of his opening comments Pastor Jack said that the ultimate measure of the health of a church was 1 Its commitment to the person of Jesus Christ as Savior of the world 2 Its commitment to the truth and authority of the Word of God.  I’ll have internet for the remainder of the sessions, so hopefully I’ll be able to blog some of things we’re discussing as they happen.  Talk to you soon!

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are,

‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’
  – Ronald Reagan

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and countless individuals whose lives were forever changed 6 years ago.  In the midst of a culture that is always "moving forward", it’s important for us to pause and remember the thousands of people who will never "put that day behind them".  Even if you were not personally impacted by the events of 9/11/2001, it probably put life into a different perspective than it was the day before.  How is your perspective today? I pray that we don’t forget what is really important in life.  Perhaps we can allow these kinds of anniversaries to refocus our attention on the things that count.

Link: FOXNews.com – Mourners Gather at Ground Zero for Sixth Memorial of Sept. 11 Attacks – Local News | News Articles | National News | US News.

NEW YORK  —  Still-grieving relatives of World Trade Center victims assembled at a lower Manhattan park Tuesday to mark the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, with gray skies and rain providing a grim backdrop to the first ceremony not held at Ground Zero.

Now that I’m officially 30 in two time zones I guess it’s official. When it’s all said and done, 30 doesn’t seem that old anymore. I have an inkling that 40 will be the same way. I must say that birthdays cause me to look back and reminisce… I am a very fortunate person. I am truly happy that I do what I do and have the people in my life that make it richer. I am also full of a sense of God’s grace in my life. When I look at the fulness of my life; my parents, siblings, wife and children and my friends, I feel very undeserving. It is humbling to have people you admire so greatly that care so deeply about you. So to all of you, much love and thanks! To my God: I stand in wonder, amazed.

A parting thought. (borrowed)

He came to my desk, with a quivering lip
The lesson was done
Have you a new leaf for me, teacher.
I have spoiled this one
I took his leaf, all soiled and blotted
And gave him a new one, all unspotted.
Then into his stirred heart I smiled
“Do better now my child.”

I went to the throne with a trembling heart
The year was done.
Have you a new year for me, Father
I have spoiled this one.
He took my year, all soiled and blotted
And gave me a new one, all unspotted
And into my tired heart He smiled,
“Do better now, my child.”

Aright, I’ve caught some flack over the last several days because I left my last post series open-ended. For all you smart alecks, yes, we did arrive and the “road trip” is over. The last two weeks have been a blur of activity and flashbacks. Even though so many things have changed significantly, it feels like home. I’m thankful to God because I think that He helps our hearts during times like these when we put our hearts in His hands. Last Sunday was our first Sunday on the job. Fawn and I spent most of the weekend walking around and saying hi to people. Needless to say, there were a lot of double takes from people who hadn’t heard we were back in town.

This morning we went to a small farm outside of town that has a few animals and sells fresh cider and apple fritters. I used to take Sam there when we lived here the first time. We had to wait a while for the fritters to be done frying, but oh baby, it’s worth the wait. Krispy Who?? is all I can say.

Here’s a pic of Levi at the farm. Good times for all.

I think everybody needs to remember those special places in life. For some it’s a restaurant, others a friends house. It’s those places that immediately take us back to a good memory of friends or family. We need those special places because they become altars of sorts, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and blessing. Take some time this week and celebrate one of your special places. Thank God for the gift of family and friends. If you can’t easily think of a place to celebrate, don’t worry, they are typically found when you least expect them…

with you,

j

Please read the attached letter. Download The Cobler’s Letter Regarding Transition