Manup Moment - Jay Cookingham

Jesus loved unconditionally, even when it cost Him everything. He calls every man to love the same way… with the same passion.

Restoration is a gift from Father God, who sees our brokenness through the lens of redemption made possible by Jesus. Restoration has been and always will be… defined by His love for us.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest and most powerful things we can do. Jesus showed us how when He forgave those who crucified Him, even pleading, “Father, forgive them.” Forgiveness isn’t about ignoring the hurt—it’s about freedom from that hurt.

Galatians 4:6 says, “God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” That title "Abba" isn’t just formal; it’s deeply personal, like saying “Papa” or “Daddy.” It speaks of intimacy, trust, and love.

God designed sonship to answer two deep questions in every man’s heart: “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” The world lies to us about our identity. But God tells us the truth: we are His sons, adopted into His family with love and purpose.

When we pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” we’re asking for rescue. The imagery behind this request is powerful—like a soldier rushing to save a comrade or someone diving into raging waters to pull us to safety.

Jesus connects forgiveness to temptation in the Lord’s Prayer for a reason. Forgiveness clears the slate, renews our intimacy with God, and helps us resist temptation. When we forgive, we reflect the Father’s heart and live in the freedom Jesus died to give us.

God taught me about prayer through intimate conversations. He showed me how to accept “daily bread” as He defines it, not based on my struggles or pain. His goodness defined my need, bringing comfort and trust.

Jesus tells us to forgive everyone—yes, everyone—who owes us or has failed us. This isn’t optional; it’s how we live as sons and daughters of the King.

Do you know what I love about the phrase, “Lord, teach us to pray”? It shows the disciples’ trust in Jesus’ ability to guide them into deeper intimacy with God. They knew Jesus wouldn’t ignore their request. Instead, He answered with intentionality and love because of the deep relationship He shared with them.

Failure can shake our sense of purpose and leave us feeling adrift. However, God uses our failures to refine our purpose and draw us closer to Him. Through failures, we discover deeper meaning and direction in life.

Resilience is the key to recovering from failures. It’s about refusing to let setbacks define who we are. Instead, we can use them as steppingstones to build greater strength and character.

Failures can leave us feeling regret, worry, shame, or even judgment, but the good news is that they don’t have to define us.

Even in failure, God has a greater purpose at work. It assures us that He is sovereign over all things, and that He uses even our failures and setbacks to shape us into His image.

Overcoming failure begins with knowing and believing that failure is not the end; it’s an opportunity for growth. When we face setbacks, it’s easy to feel defeated and discouraged. But I think failure is permission to try again, to learn, and to grow stronger. Our failures don't define how God sees us.

Brothers, sonship is a journey, not a destination. It's a constant process of becoming more like Jesus, the ultimate example of a son living in perfect obedience and love for the Father.

Brothers, our sonship in Christ isn't just about identity; it's about purpose and the incredible favor bestowed upon us by God. This favor isn't based on anything we do, but on who we are in Him.

For many men, identity is a tangled mess. We tie our worth to our job, our bank account, or the car we drive. But this orphan spirit, constantly seeking to prove itself, leaves us empty and insecure.

Man-made titles are like cheap trophies – they tarnish and lose their shine over time. You could be a CEO, a star athlete, or a war hero. These titles might bring temporary recognition, but they can't define who you truly are.

You are more than the mistakes you've made, the titles you hold, or the struggles you face. You are restored men, living with a purpose that goes beyond anything this world can offer. This purpose is rooted in your sonship – your identity as a beloved child of God.