tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10631769147477841302024-03-14T06:27:32.653-04:00In Pursuit of the UnseenTo see a generation set their eyes on Jesus and prayerfully serve Him and His Church.Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.comBlogger647125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-73166268843966555762012-01-27T16:26:00.001-05:002012-01-27T16:26:34.394-05:00test.2012 test...Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-60071664406276098872011-12-09T10:24:00.001-05:002011-12-09T10:25:39.375-05:00Making the MoveI've recently started toying around with Wordpress and have made the move to their platform. The domain name <a href="http://www.geoffcocanower.com/">www.geoffcocanower.com</a> is already pointed there, however, if you use a reader to get this, you may need to restart your rss as it is coming from a different feed!<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
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See you over at <a href="http://www.geoffcocanower.com/">www.geoffcocanower.com</a>!Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-9150117947287689112011-12-06T19:30:00.000-05:002011-12-07T11:44:06.386-05:00Who Do I Think I Am?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYgo3JaHQ7VHmk4mLc2QQ8Ch-NwjsfB9cApJJJizrTREXLG9r9q1_sTAhyphenhyphenYvn3-oRsX4nYWVCFPh13wtFG6FeWQVEWVgOj0lP_et9uD1GT4L1CsNHNhZzY4NL2DFmV29vWSlAgG1ikUw4/s1600/venting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYgo3JaHQ7VHmk4mLc2QQ8Ch-NwjsfB9cApJJJizrTREXLG9r9q1_sTAhyphenhyphenYvn3-oRsX4nYWVCFPh13wtFG6FeWQVEWVgOj0lP_et9uD1GT4L1CsNHNhZzY4NL2DFmV29vWSlAgG1ikUw4/s200/venting.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was venting a bit the other day to a few friends about the place that God seemed to have me at the time. Basically looking at my own life and saying, "You know what. I could do a better job with this whole thing." I was convinced, in that moment that my life was one thing, and given my own intellect, it could be something much greater. Even after my fury was poured out, I left that conversation, not really remembering anything my friend had said, still fuming about my current situation and my life. I was so frustrated with my current set of circumstances that I was clearly over analyzing certain aspects of the situation and clearly doubting the providence of the one that I was preaching about 5 days earlier.<br />
<br />
I mean if I am really honest about it, my personal plan would be to glorify myself. Be the coolest pastor. Be the pastor of the biggest church. Have 6 million followers on Twitter and like a gajillion friends on facebook. I'd have written books and have websites and all sorts of social media apps so that people could continue to stay in touch with me and <i>my ministry.</i> I'd speak at the biggest events. I'd be known by a ton of people. Because its not time yet.<br />
<br />
Because I'm not humble enough yet.<br />
Because I've not gone through the Holy Spirit-guided fires.<br />
Because I haven't seen the things and experienced the things that I would have to go through to have all of those things and still be humble; and still consider Jesus as my Lord and my Savior.<br />
<br />
I would never say that that is my belief of God's ultimate plan for me. I also would never say that I truly desire all of that. However, given the chance, I know it would be a temptation for me. A temptation so great that I am not sure, given my present status in life, I would be willing to fight and willing to wage war against.<br />
<br />
But I'm not done yet. And God's not through with me yet. And that is a terribly difficult thing to accept as a controlling, fixing, get things done, "Big D" personality.<br />
<br />
The real statement to me is "who do I think I am?" Not for questioning where I am in my life, but for questioning where I'm going. For questioning the process that God is continuing and has promised to continue until He returns. I am not God and I am not the author of my salvation. He is. And today, I hold on to that promise.<br />
<span class="verse Phil_2_12" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Verdana, sans-seif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="verse Phil_2_13" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"</span><span class="verse Phil_2_13" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Verdana, sans-seif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6</span>Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-2903982250444337772011-12-04T18:00:00.000-05:002011-12-04T18:00:02.573-05:00Wearing Sunglasses in Tunnels Makes it Pretty Hard to See Clearly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFiHnTxP_w1DkOls4hq6gdmb2CElUlfoSYHn-g5WCY8sIy4_1Y50Vy8QWbOr40LHblgJLB70_lSlrRVrXJgPuT8IkdeQ7fsLvfiz11iwg5Y2ADKPZH1uN0eNjYigATJmXQNGvrHgE-KlB/s1600/tunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFiHnTxP_w1DkOls4hq6gdmb2CElUlfoSYHn-g5WCY8sIy4_1Y50Vy8QWbOr40LHblgJLB70_lSlrRVrXJgPuT8IkdeQ7fsLvfiz11iwg5Y2ADKPZH1uN0eNjYigATJmXQNGvrHgE-KlB/s320/tunnel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was recently in a very "freaked out" temperament. I couldn't see the light at the end of the short tunnel that I was driving through. It was interesting, because I was frustrated with myself and the things that I hadn't taken care of or had forgotten to be disciplined with. This, of course, led me to get a little frustrated at myself. I began to put on my own sunglasses of self-centeredness that are aimed at trying to skew my own view of what is going on in my life. I tried to ignore certain things so that I could deal with doing my job, living my life, and continuing to press on. But, the problem is, you can't see very well when you have sunglasses on and you are driving through a tunnel.<br />
<br />
And like the sign says, you have to watch out for slow moving traffic in tunnels, because some other people aren't willing to drive as fast as you are. So, I get overly frustrated at the slow moving traffic because I can't see them coming up, all because I have my self-centered sunglasses on and am just being stupid. After this, my frustration begins to build up as I get frustrated at the fact that there is even a tunnel here. Why in the world am I doing what I'm doing and why am I trapped in this place? I begin to question so much more than just the slow moving traffic or my the conditions of the road. I begin to question and get frustrated with the tunnel that is my path in life through the mountain and my life turns into this big crying towel fest where nothing gets done all because I didn't read the signs and see that I should just take off my sunglasses.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc0909; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Verdana, sans-seif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Verdana, sans-seif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">- John 16:33</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Verdana, sans-seif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Take off the sunglasses of self-centeredness. Focus on the Son and the tunnel that He might have us in so that we can come out on the other side trusting that it is the path He has set before us. Trust in His plan and purpose. Trust in the people He has put in front of you. You will make it. He has overcome the world.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Verdana, sans-seif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0Nappanee, IN 46550, USA41.4428253 -86.001387541.3952138 -86.0803515 41.490436800000005 -85.922423500000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-86346984121859538052011-12-04T10:17:00.001-05:002011-12-04T10:21:48.854-05:00Want to get involved?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nYLT4XjjgOoNPv4KZIJklu4Wl5zN9KkEev7pcWpKcjhYnMrFoZDlr7UGva4_VF4J7nUk8GtI7WMwLqAk7C2UNLpxk6gWrRPgiYholybTT9c_HbtQvFo-mFFf9w4US93Ie_xqQjZEJjEh/s1600/hands+on+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nYLT4XjjgOoNPv4KZIJklu4Wl5zN9KkEev7pcWpKcjhYnMrFoZDlr7UGva4_VF4J7nUk8GtI7WMwLqAk7C2UNLpxk6gWrRPgiYholybTT9c_HbtQvFo-mFFf9w4US93Ie_xqQjZEJjEh/s320/hands+on+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you attend NMC and have been looking for that opportunity to serve, I think I might have a spot for you. We are looking to raise up a few more teachers for our Sunday morning program. This ranges from Youth Class Teachers to Assistant Teachers to Elective Class instructors. We are looking for men and women who are ready to step up and answer the call that God has placed on their lives to work with Senior Highers.<br />
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If you think that that might be you, leave a note in the comment section and I will get in touch with your or send me an email and we can get the process started!Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-37854792269123122882011-11-28T07:00:00.000-05:002011-11-28T07:00:05.082-05:00The Beauty of Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s290250146.onlinehome.us/resources/road+to+Jordan+Hill+paint1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://s290250146.onlinehome.us/resources/road+to+Jordan+Hill+paint1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As I write this, we are travelling down through the heart of
the United States through Kentucky and Tennessee onward to Atlanta, Georgia,
one of my favorite places. As we drive, I am blessed to have a front row view
of the scenery that continues to change and become increasingly textured and
contoured. In the advent of autumn and the dawn of leafless trees, deadened
grass and the bony structures of the ash trees we pass, the trueness of the
ground is revealed.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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What continues to be displayed is the power of God to remain
the arbiter of truth and the definer of the definite. We build roads through
the mountains, we fix train tracks on the sides of hills, we burrow tunnels
into the depths of the earth, and yet, the depths remain deep, the hills
continue to hold, and the mountains still have not bowed at the beckon of our
will. The structures that He established at the beginning of history remain
true even today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He is the creator, sustainer, and judge. He is immovable. He
is strong. He is deep. He is unchanging from the beginning to the end. May His
name be praised!<o:p></o:p></div>Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-79568938374244045132011-11-26T14:36:00.001-05:002011-11-26T14:53:52.061-05:00Too Much in the Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/12283775/sketchbook+question_large.JPG?1311318740" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/12283775/sketchbook+question_large.JPG?1311318740" width="200" /></a></div>
It happens from time to time, but lately, it happened again. It looks like writer's block, but it is a lot worse than that. It turns from writer's block to a full-fledged idea block. It's that moment where all the ideas that are floating around in my brain all converge on the one exit point that is either my mouth or my fingers and neither has ever done a very good job of processing quickly or with precision when under pressure. And typically, this is when there are so many ideas in my head that I can't figure out which one to figure out so that I can figure which one is the most beneficial to figure out. You sense my dilemma.<br />
<br />
So, I'm very thankful for a short week this week. At the same time, I'm going to be heading into another short week. So perhaps that isn't that good. Regardless, I'm ready to get thinking again. Just need to make some space upstairs.<br />
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What about you? What do you do to make space in your head?Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-4226537544710185252011-11-10T20:36:00.000-05:002011-11-10T20:36:00.077-05:00Are We Reckless?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thelordsprayer.net/images/california.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://thelordsprayer.net/images/california.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What holds us back?<br />
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As Christians, we have so many passages of scripture that are intended to unleash us to the world and empower us to live recklessly for the sake of His name. Why is it so hard for us to trust that and live that way?<br />
<br />
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." - Psalm 23:1-3 (It doesn't end there in this chapter)<br />
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"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday." - Psalm 37:4-6<br />
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The list could go on and on. Paul was so zealous for the sake of Christ and he did it by living his life in reckless abandon for the sake of the name of Jesus Christ. How free he must of have felt?! How empowered by the Spirit he must have been!? Talk about living on the edge! He knew the voice of the Lord and he went and did whatever it said.<br />
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We are so good at asking questions. We are extremely talented at analyzing things. We think that wisdom resides in thinking through things; that we can figure out what the Will of God is. Why don't we ask one question, only one question? The trick is we can't lie to ourselves. We can't falsify our response or we miss out and we fail to hear the wisdom in the Psalms.<br />
<br />
All we need to ask:<br />
"Is that the voice of the Lord?"<br />
If the answer is "yes," then go. If the answer is "no," then stay.<br />
<br />
We are so good at over complicating these things. Let's just trust Him! He's on the throne! He can contend with our misunderstandings and failures (He does it <i>all of the time.</i>). I wonder what a world with Christians who are pursuing Christ like that looks like.Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-29773365296286901712011-11-08T21:25:00.000-05:002011-11-08T21:25:00.678-05:00For Whose Namesake?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.techpin.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/cool-names.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.techpin.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/cool-names.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Have you ever stopped and considered what's in a name?<br />
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Psalm 23:3 doesn't read the way it does because God simply wants to make David righteous. There is no doubt that this is part of God's mission to bring his People back to him. However, he does it for <i>his name's sake.</i> There is weight there. There is weight in the way that Jesus relates the reaction of the world to his disciples. There is weight in the life that Paul lived and when I say his name, we know that weight. And I'm not sure we grasp that very easily or very well.<br />
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There are many in this country who have taken to making a name for themselves. I am not innocent from this desire or vain ambition. It seems that a growing trend in the world is to make an individual mark on the world by dancing to a different beat or making my life stand for, or represent, something great, something significant. We want to live for our own name's sake. And frankly, I'm sick of seeing the Church try and do the same thing.<br />
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The Church has begun to do what it can to make a name for itself, both individually and collectively. We lift up worship leaders, worshippers, churches, and speakers to a level of unhealth that mimics, if not personifies, idolatry. We strive to proclaim the name of _________ church or _______________ (insert your favorite "Christian" artist or speaker). And we have gravely missed the point.<br />
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I recently downloaded a new song that we have been singing at my church called "Great I Am" by New Life Worship. We started singing it when its writer, Jared Anderson, came to my church. I love the lyrics of this song because it forces us to proclaim our love for the Name that is truly above all names.<br />
<br />
I am committing to live for a Name other than my name.<br />
<br />
Geoffrey Cocanower doesn't free sinners.<br />
Geoffrey Cocanower doesn't feed the hungry.<br />
Geoffrey Cocanower doesn't provide strength to the weak.<br />
Geoffrey Cocanower didn't die on the Cross at Cavalry.<br />
Geoffrey Cocanower isn't seated at the right hand of God.<br />
<br />
People don't bow at the name of Geoffrey Cocanower.<br />
People <i>won't </i>bow at the name of Geoffrey Cocanower.<br />
Demons don't shudder at the name of Geoffrey Cocanower.<br />
Satan doesn't tremble at the sound of Geoffrey Cocanower.<br />
<br />
His name is Jesus.<br />
His name is I Am.<br />
His name moves mountains.<br />
His name sets the captive free.<br />
His name is worthy to be praised.<br />
<br />
"For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;" - Psalm 31:3Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-4912050561465481862011-11-06T20:20:00.001-05:002011-11-06T20:53:26.970-05:00Slaying Giants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.myhero.com/images/guest/g189810/hero43161/g189810_u47945_david3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.myhero.com/images/guest/g189810/hero43161/g189810_u47945_david3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've heard it many times, but I've never actually reflected long enough to see that it was true in my life until right about now. You know that saying that goes something like, "Everything that you have experienced to this point has prepared you for this exact moment" or something like that. That is so easy to say and yet so hard to believe and put into practice unless you are willing to, literally,<i> just do/believe it.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648752273">Pastor Dave</a> took us through 2 Samuel 17 and David's interaction with Goliath this past Sunday. Let me tell you, add in the fact that it has been like a month since I have gotten into a service (let's not talk about that one) and I needed to hear from God through P. Dave and you have the makings of a pretty significant Sunday. But today, the little snippet that I took away from that message is this: <b>Goliath wasn't David's biggest giant.</b></div>
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Sure, this was the first time that we would see David's bravery obviously recorded, that is without doubt. But, David will face bigger giants later in life. David has to face the music from Nathan, David pours his life out in the Psalms, David has to face his own temptation and selfish ambitions, and yet. And yet, he remains a man after God's own heart. </div>
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I have come to the end of a tough season. A season that has stretched me and challenged me greatly. But the reality is, this is just the beginning. I'm only 25 and if I think that this was all I was meant for, I am terribly mistaken. There are greater giants that God has set before me to slay. And I'm ready. </div>Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-26764239768248929992011-10-31T10:50:00.001-04:002011-10-31T10:50:30.872-04:00It's Been Awhile... again...In the midst of the craziest 2 weeks of recent memory, I haven't had the chance to post some of the things that I have wanted to. But, that is hopefully coming up on a change. Stay tuned and you can find out...Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-9341085415657142022011-10-07T12:30:00.000-04:002011-10-10T09:06:28.976-04:00Elective Classes worth Checking OutOur Sunday morning offerings change on a regular basis in the Senior High and we are kicking off our next set of 10:45am electives. I'm really excited about them. If you are a student, you should check them out! If you are a parent, you should encourage your student to check them out. If you are another person following the blog, ask me about electives and youth classes!<br />
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<br />Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-83664841096310332342011-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-07T08:00:17.605-04:00No More Apologies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, we took a trip to a church that is quickly becoming a strategic partner of ours as we look to improve ministry and set people up to best serve the people that they are passionate about. While the trip was a fantastic opportunity to research and ask some questions about some things we are looking at in our own ministry, I took something away from the trip that God has amplified and I cannot ignore it. I talked about it on Wednesday and I need to write it somewhere and so I figured what better place than right here.<br />
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<i><b>I'm done apologizing.</b></i></div>
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I don't think that I have always said it and I don't think that it has always been a problem, but I have been known to make a bunch of excuses.<br />
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<i>"It's not my fault." </i><br />
<i>"Someone else was supposed to be doing that." </i><br />
<i>"Something came up." </i></blockquote>
OR<br />
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<i>"It's done (when it isn't)."</i><br />
<i>"I have it under control (when I don't)."</i></blockquote>
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Well enough is clearly enough.<br />
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No more apologies. Geoff Cocanower is saved by an overpowering and ever-empowering grace that surpasses all understanding. I am made perfect in my confessed incompleteness. I am strengthened by the Almighty God when I am humble enough to recognize my shortcoming. And I am called by God who promises that when He calls, He will do it. I am called by Jesus who told me to wait for the Holy Spirit and the same Power that can move mountains will be the one that gives me life.Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-87818329871414861092011-10-01T12:22:00.000-04:002011-10-01T12:22:00.203-04:00New Music Worth Checking OutI really like music. Obviously, I have certain types of music that I enjoy and then others that I really can't bear to listen to. However, here are a few albums that came out recently that might be very much worth you checking out:<br />
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1. The City Harmonic - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/introducing-the-city-harmonic/id404393272">"Introducing the City Harmonic"</a><br />
This one actually isn't <i>new, </i>introduced in 2010. However, there are some fantastic selections on this EP and "Manifesto" is very much my favorite.<br />
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2. Switchfoot - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/vice-verses-deluxe-version/id465000796">"Vice Verses"</a><br />
I have been a fan of Switchfoot for a while, however this album is awesome. If you get the deluxe edition, you get a couple Live tracks as well. Good stuff!<br />
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3. Gungor - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ghosts-upon-earth-deluxe-edition/id455864024">"Ghosts Upon the Earth"</a><br />
Gungor is probably one of my favorite artists right now and has been since I first heard "Beautiful Things." "When Death Dies" is a fantastic track and the rest of the album is pretty smooth as well. This Live Performance is pretty stinking amazing as well. So good!<br />
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4. Jeremy Riddle - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/furious/id459178563">"Furious"</a><br />
I have only recently come to embrace Jeremy Riddle, however, I was truly blown away by the raw passion that he inserts into the lyrics of this one. Definitely worth <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/furious/id459178563">downloading</a>.<br />
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5. Connection:Worship - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/connection-worship/id361290335">"Fit for the King"</a><br />
The second album in the Connection:Worship series and I must say, "kudos!" to my teammates and all of those who participated in the making of this album! You can <a href="http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Music/78/53/4c/mzi.nivdsbht.100x100-75.jpg">download it here.</a><br />
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<br />Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-32580441154928595082011-09-30T07:37:00.000-04:002011-09-30T07:37:00.232-04:00A Fantastic Post that You NEED to ReadBrad Lomenick, one of the guys who puts together Catalyst Conference, wrote a fantastic post regarding how to lead Millenials. It doesn't just speak to leading, but it also offers some insight into relating to us. A couple of my favorite observations:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<i>4. <strong>Cause is important</strong>. Tie in compassion and justice to the “normal.” Causes and opportunities to give back are important.</i><br />
<i>5. <strong>Embrace social media</strong>. it’s here to stay.</i><br />
<i>6. <strong>They are more tech savvy than any other generation ever.</strong>
Technology is the norm. XBOX, iPhones, laptops, iPads are just normal.
If you want a response, text first, then call. Or DM first. Or send a
Facebook message. Not anti calls though.</i><br />
<i>7. <strong>Lead each person uniquely</strong>. Don’t create standards or rules that apply to everyone. Customize your approach. (I’ll admit, this one is difficult too!)</i></blockquote>
Check it out <a href="http://bradlomenick.com/2011/09/29/20-points-on-leading-millenials/">the rest here.</a> Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-36196787392665264202011-09-29T20:13:00.000-04:002011-09-29T20:13:00.761-04:00Disproportionate ExpectationsIt never fails to pain my heart.<br />
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When you work so hard to help high school students come to understand the influence that they have on people around them, it is extremely exciting when they catch a vision for what they can do with that influence. It also gets to be pretty cool to see them reaching out to their friends and to those that they are connected to with an invitation to come closer to Jesus.<br />
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Contrarily, it sucks so bad to hear a student so burdened for someone and yet not be able to get in the door of the other person's heart. It is so tough. And yet that's not the toughest part of this situation. The hardest part is when said "influential" student can't recognize that they aren't living a lifestyle that resembles repentance; the very thing that describes a follower of Christ.<br />
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<blockquote>
<i><b>How can you expect to change the world if you have not changed from the world, yourself?</b></i></blockquote>
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No one is perfect. Not even one. Yet, in life, we come across countless numbers of individuals that live lives that are clearly contrary to the world and clearly have undergone some sort of transformation. It is these people that change the landscape and focus of the world. If anyone wishes to change the world, the must find themselves changed from the patterns of the world. Nobody wants to follow someone who claims to follow this radical Jesus but can't find anything radical in that person's life. It just doesn't compute.<br />
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<blockquote>
<b> </b><b><i>Change the world by allowing the Spirit to change you.</i></b></blockquote>
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Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-32300478802122337192011-09-29T10:06:00.000-04:002011-09-29T10:06:07.100-04:00The Playoffs are Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't tell you how pumped I am that it is October. I really do enjoy sports and one of my favorite sports to watch is Major League Baseball. It only helps that my Tigers won the AL Central (convincingly and over a week ago) and are taking on the Yankees in the ALDS. Thank goodness for satellite. <br />
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Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-19133668839705925692011-09-29T08:39:00.000-04:002011-09-29T08:39:00.804-04:00The Inadvertent Whistle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's happened to almost every official that has worked a game, at some point, someone on the game they were working blew the play dead a little prematurely. It is a horrible feeling and the information that you have to report to one of the coaches is never good for them. It's another situation where you took something away from a student and you got in the way. No official means to do it and no official wants to ever see it happen. Yet, it does and it did recently in a game I was working.<br />
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The inadvertent whistle is just like that promise you made to that kid that you had absolutely no ground to stand on when you made it and now you have to retract your promise (indian giver). The reality is that I have blown a few inadvertent whistles in my day. Fortunately, none of them were on the football field. Or maybe that is an unfortunate happening. The game made me recognize this:<br />
<blockquote>
<i>If we are deliberate in trying to meet students' desires, we have a better chance of accurately and assuredly committing to a student.</i></blockquote>
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In officiating, we are taught to make sure that we see the ball in someone's hands and they are down. Furthermore, we are supposed to "play" with the whistle out of our mouth. These things help to make sure that we can officiate with accuracy and confidence that we have made the right call. The same must be true about what we commit to students.<br />
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Sure, there are going to be situations that raise the "urgency alarm" in a students' life. Yet, if we commit to doing something for or with them, without stopping to consider all of the variables that may enter a decision like this, we set ourselves, and that relationship, up for failure. <br />
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<i>"<span class="verse Matt_5_37 selected"><span class="wordsofchrist">Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil."</span></span></i></blockquote>
<span class="verse Matt_5_37 selected"><span class="wordsofchrist">This verse is much easier to accomplish when we take the time to find wisdom and exercise that wisdom with courage. Let's get rid of the inadvertent whistles and build relationships. </span></span>Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-23067803996785786232011-09-29T01:15:00.002-04:002011-09-29T01:15:29.096-04:00It's pretty clear...I'm writing more. I think this is a good thing in my discipleship. I hope that it is a blessing to you. I'm curious, what is something that is time consuming but so good for you to do? How does it add value to your life?Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-76442024811104280422011-09-27T22:09:00.000-04:002011-09-27T22:09:00.976-04:00Who's Leading You?I recently began using Tim Elmore's Habitudes as my devotional for each day. I honestly cannot say enough about how awesome these things are when it comes to how it teaches people. There is a part of me that is in awe of what he does with each image and another part that is jealous that I can't pick out these ideas and lessons. But, through this, I came across another thought:<br />
<blockquote>
<i>How do you lead if you're not being led?</i></blockquote>
I have been involved in some sort of leadership for most of my life. Leadership for me began when I recognized the gifts that God had given me to lead people. That is not a cocky statement, that is more a comment on the reality of my life. I have always desired leadership because it is in the weave of the fabric that makes up me. So, this question has been asked of me many times in my life. However, this question carries a distinct weight to it when applied to Christian leadership.<br />
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For the Christ follower, there is a collection of sixty-six letters, books, and accounts from the greatest Teacher ever intended to guide and direct our very worldview and the way that we go about our daily lives. But, more than that, we are a part of a Body that is interwoven and connected for the purpose of extending the reach of the name of Jesus. This Body is meant to build itself up and edify the other parts of the Body. Yet, at the head of this Body is its Lord/Savior/King.<br />
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I've noticed, in my life, that I need others to help push me; guide me, into new levels of leadership and devotion. It is one thing to dedicate ourselves to Bible Study (which is a given to me) but the form of our creation to be relational beings suggests to me that we were intended to have people in our lives that help to lead us. For some that means a book, for others that means a mentoring relationship, and still others it means both. So, the question comes back to you and me in a very introspective form:<br />
<blockquote>
<i>Who is leading you and who are you allowing to lead you so that you can lead others?</i></blockquote>
Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-24781706216693672202011-09-26T23:50:00.002-04:002011-09-26T23:50:23.624-04:00A Loss of PurposePurpose.<br />
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Death can be a difficult thing to deal with. It can seem almost insurmountable. I went to two funerals on Monday and I was reminded of something after a conversation at one of them. I am convinced that no matter what we go through in life, there is nothing that can be done to take away our purpose on earth. So long as we are on this earth, we have a purpose and we have a mission.<br />
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<i><b>"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:21</b></i><br />
Paul wants so desperately to depart and move into the heavenly realms with God, yet he recognizes that the people of earth are clearly in need of Him to remain in order to shepherd and guide those people. For the Christ follower, to be on earth is to see Christ and His mission for the world to hear the good news of His name. That clearly looks different from one person to the next, but it is always Christ and it is always true while we are on earth. <br />
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<i><b>"<span class="verse Eph_2_10">For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10</span></b></i><br />
<span class="verse Eph_2_10">At no time are we freed from the promise of God to see us continue to do the work that He has placed before us. He has prepared good works (purpose) for us for every single day we are alive and He gives us breath. We must recognize that if we have breath, we have purpose. </span><br />
<span class="verse Eph_2_10"><br /></span><br />
<span class="verse Eph_2_10">So what is your mission today? What is your purpose for this day?</span>Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-13746776162737857942011-09-13T09:29:00.001-04:002011-09-13T09:29:09.550-04:00In the End, What's the Point?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In our lifetime, how many times do we ask the question, or a derivative of the question, "What is the point?" I would venture to say that it is many more times than I can count on my hands and toes. "What's the point" is very similar to the question, "What's the meaning?" Some might word it like this: "Why am I even here?" Still others might ask "Why are we doing this?" or "Why are they making me do this?"<br />
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At the core of this question is a very real, simple desire to just know "why." Whether it is to know the impact of what work that a person is doing, or to have some inspiration to continue doing what they are being asked to do, the desire to know "why," at it's core, is safe, healthy, and sometimes even honorable. This of course comes with the understanding that the question is being asked with humility and a genuine desire to know more.<br />
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However, reality sets in on my ideological thought bubble here and reminds me that most times when the question "what's the point" is raised, it has gained a notorious connotation with arrogance, self-preservation, and rebellion. Whether that is accurate or not, it has begun to carry that weight in our society. Parents, who were raised with the understanding that they simply do what they are told, are now faced with "why" more times than they care to respond. Authority figures, like teachers, police officers, and government leaders, face a barrage of interrogatives pointed at the core of what they are trying to accomplish. More examples could fit into this discussion, but the point of this post is not in the discussion, it is in the response.<br />
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The reality is that more and more people, not just teenagers and young adults, are asking the question "what's the point," a whole lot more and being faced with illogical responses that ultimately point to a simple response of, "Because I said so." The problem with this is that it is inside human nature to desire information and knowledge, however it is not inside human nature to be selfless in our knowledge and to give away our understanding of a topic. The reality to me is, our response indicates our intentions and could be the difference between someone catching vision or someone becoming your biggest opponent.<br />
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1 John 4:1 calls us to ask this question, often: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see
whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out
into the world." We are supposed to challenge ideas; to demand a reason for a given action. So, the question is, how do we respond? And, perhaps a more relevant question, how do we respond when the only thing we have to explain our reasoning for such zealous presentation of a vision is the conviction of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Do we simply say, I told you so?Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-87594131561714830692011-09-11T09:10:00.000-04:002011-09-11T09:11:00.574-04:00A day I will never forget.<div style="text-align: center;">
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It seemed like it was going to be a regular September day.<br />
We were taking ISTEP.<br />
I was in Ken Dues' Woods Classroom.<br />
And then an abrupt interruption with the instruction to turn on the television.<br />
What I saw next was the start of a different time in America and an event that will forever live in my mind with the vividness of a Shakespearean sonnet.<br />
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September 11, 2001. A day to be remembered.<br />
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In a day and age that sees more finger-pointing than accepting responsibility, this day reminds me of a situation that required responsible action by our national leaders. It required men to be men and to step up when a nation needed information and for others to step up when a country needed its leader. A time when those who were elected to lead and those that were appointed to represent, were forced to their knees and humbled at the opportunity to be an example to those that put them in those positions of leadership.<br />
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This moment that was captured on the steps of our nation's Capitol, reminds me of what this country is, has, and will always be about when Americans step up and recognize the responsibility they have for the freedom they have been given.<br />
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It makes me reflect on the responsibility that we, as Christians, have in response to the freedom that we have been given. It pushes me to respond responsibly and with a devotion that only a Christian can employ; one that is worthy unto God and not unto men.<br />
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So today, I remember a day that continues to force me to reflect on those that paid a huge price to ensure that our freedom is continued to be a reality and not some ideological theory or some utopian notion. Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-31705700240966899712011-09-08T17:05:00.000-04:002011-09-08T17:05:36.391-04:00A Change to Mark ChangeAs I enter this new season of my life and a new season of ministry, I am making some changes on the blog here as well. Not to mention the fact that Derry changed up his design and I thought to myself, "You know, self, it has been quite a while since we changed anything on the blog." So, thus explains the change. More changes might come, but this is it for now.<br />
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As I make these changes, the focus of my thoughts are going to change slightly as well. I find myself in a few arenas of thought as I pursue this next season and because of my desire to excel in each arena, I am going to focus many of my thoughts in the following areas:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Youth & Youth Development</b> - It's pretty clear that this will never be something that falls far from my heart. The ways that we come beside students and their families is so important to nearly everything that I do. It will always remain near the center of my passions. This may range from youth in general, to youth ministry. </li>
<li><b>The Church</b> - I'm a part of it and my heart is so gripped by seeing it spurred into action, it will always be a major part of my thoughts. This encompasses NMC and the larger context of the Church as well.</li>
<li><b>High School and just beyond</b> - In the short time that I have been in ministry (going into my 4th year at NMC), I have been refined by the opportunities that I have been so blessed to be involved with. Furthermore, these activities have continued to refine my specific calling in life and helped to focus me on life in High School and, primarily, the college experience. Both were so constructive in making me who I am today and I view them as some of the most critical times in a persons life, I have developed a significant passion to see students successfully navigate those transitions. </li>
<li><b>A few other randoms</b> - Sports, Officiating, Scriptural Things, and Life Developments will always be hallmarks to my thoughts, so don't be surprised when those come up every now and again.</li>
</ul>
I'm excited about the next season in my life and in ministry. Come join me on the journey! Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063176914747784130.post-21286701936510658082011-09-04T21:42:00.004-04:002011-09-04T21:42:49.234-04:00Writer's BlockIt's pretty evident that I have had a heavy case of writer's block here lately. I'm not entirely sure where that comes from, but I do think that a large part is based upon a few realities:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Role Change.</b> As we enter the new school year, my focus this year is shifting and requires a number of changes in how I do things (or at least I thought that they should). The biggest thing to this change is the time here at the beginning of the year that is required to care and connect with small group leaders and those that are going to invest in the lives of so many students. It's overwhelming for sure, but exciting nonetheless.</li>
<li><b>Autumn is upon us.</b> Fall means a new season as football kicks in and all of the Fall sports that launch. In a new season of my life, I have found a disheartening disconnection from the other fall sports, but I'm working on that.</li>
<li><b>New Adventures are coming my way.</b> A new house. A new college degree to pursue. A new personal mission. All of these things are leading me in a different direction than ever before and I'm very excited about it all. </li>
</ol>
It's a new season in life and I cannot wait to see what all comes out of the many new opportunities that are coming up ahead. Geoff Cocanowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16216792527581090663noreply@blogger.com1