Author: DrJayCook

Tornado Lessons

DrJayCook Adversity , , , , ,

Where were you on Monday evening (November 20, 2023)?

I was driving on Highway 16 and reached the Farmhaven community a little after 6:00 p.m.  It was raining.  Then the winds picked up and hail began to fall.  Suddenly, the interior of my truck was filled with the sound of something like a loud whistle.  I later discovered that what I thought was happening WAS happening: a tornado was very close.

I grabbed the steering wheel tightly with both hands.  I became hyper-alert as limbs began to fall.  I wished for the 18-wheeler ahead of me to speed up.  I prayed.

Since I am writing this article, you probably gathered that I came out of the situation unscathed.  However, it did make me think about the trials we face in life.  Perhaps we all can learn a thing or two from the storms.

I grabbed the steering wheel tightly because I knew that I had to be careful; trials make us realize that we must be careful to not do things we should not do out of fear.  I became very alert because I knew that I must be focused; trials drop lots of “limbs” around us that must be navigated around.  I wished to go faster because I wanted to get out of the area as soon as possible; trials lead us to look for solutions to get out of the trials quickly.  I prayed because I knew that I must; trials help us realize that we really do need God’s help in the trials and in between the trials.

You probably knew those things.  I did, but I was reminded of the importance of them Monday night.

It is moments like that that make certain verses stand out to me.  What came to my mind was Philippians 4:6-7: “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

We cannot avoid the “tornadoes” of life, but we can trust the One who loves us.  God knows.  God sees.  God cares.  And He will help you through the storms when you place your faith in Him.

Consider the following resource to go deeper. Click the picture to find out more…

Yes, You Can Be Thankful!

DrJayCook Thanksgiving , , , ,

I hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy a time of rest and celebration.  However, I really hope that you are experiencing a thankful heart.  I also hope that your thankful heart continues to guide you every day.

I realize that continually being grateful is not easy, but it is what God expects of us.  We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  And we are told in Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

The story is told of a young boy who did not speak.  Naturally, his parents believed that he could not speak, but one day they discovered the truth.  His mother tried a new recipe for supper and called everyone to the table.  When the boy tasted it, he pushed it away and said, “This is awful.  I won’t eat it.”

The family was overjoyed to hear him speak, and they wanted to know why he had never spoken before.  He told them, “Because up ‘till now, everything has been OK.”

Sometimes it seems like there are people who only speak when they want to complain.  And gratitude is the furthest thing from their mind and their conversations.

Does that describe you?

If you had a good night’s sleep, know that there are millions of people who did not.  If you had a bed, know that there are millions who do not.  If you have a job or a car or a house, know that there are millions of people who do not.

AND – if you have accepted God’s salvation, know that your sins have been forgiven, that He is with you, and that He has a home for you.

Yes, you can be thankful – no matter what.  And we should be thankful – no matter what.  Remember the cry of Psalm 103:2: “My soul, bless the LORD, and do not forget all His benefits.”

Happy Thanksgiving!  You have more than enough reason to be thankful.

Want to know more? Click the picture below for a great resource…

What Do People See in You?

DrJayCook Christian Life , , , , , ,

John Hess-Yoder was a missionary in Laos.  While overseas he discovered some historical facts about the area that pictures the Kingdom of God.

Before the colonialists decided where the official boundaries of Laos and Vietnam would exist, the kings of Laos and Vietnam agreed on how to choose who would pay taxes to which kingdom.  Those who ate short-grain rice, built their houses on stilts, and decorated their houses with Indian-stye serpents were considered Laotians.  Those who ate long-grain rice, built their houses on the ground, and decorated their houses with Chinese-style dragons were considered Vietnamese.  That is how they decided to which kingdom taxes would be paid.

Nationality was not decided by where a person’s home sat.  Nationality was decided by the cultural values that they exhibited.

That also is true for those of us who are Christians. We all live in this world, and our world has certain beliefs and patterns.  However, if you are part of the Kingdom of God, there is a different standard by which we must live.  We must live for our King.

Philippians 3:20 states: “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Our goal is not to amass stuff.  Our goal is not to amass power.  Our goal is not to garner popularity.

Our goal is to live for God and His Kingdom.

Yet, we still live here surrounded by other ideas and ideals.  We are tempted to follow along with the culture, but we have an important job that we should be doing instead.  We read what that job is in 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us.  We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God.’”

Instead of allowing a culture in opposition to God to guide us, we must (as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom) encourage others to realize what is truly important.  We must share the hope of Jesus.  We must help others see how they can become part of God’s Kingdom.  We must help others see they need to be reconciled to God.

Consider the following classic to learn more – just click the picture…

Veterans Day 2023

DrJayCook Patriotism, Veterans Day , , , , ,

World War 1 ended on November 11, 1918.  They thought it was going to be the war to end all wars.  On the anniversary of that day, our nation remembered.  And that eventually turned into the national holiday known as Veterans Day.

Everyone seems to know that Memorial Day is for remembering those who died in service to our country, and we should remember.  However, it seems like few really think about the sacrifices made and memories held by those who faced the harshness of war and live to tell about it.

But we should.

The Bible makes it clear that we should give honor to whom honor is due.  And those who put their lives on the line for us deserve honor.  They deserve our thanks.

We may not agree with certain military actions that politicians have put into motion.  But our men and women who serve in the armed forces do not make those decisions.  They decided to protect us.  They decided to put their lives on the line for us.  They decided to take a road that many of us have not walked.

I still remember (as a child) standing on the square in Oxford when the veterans of World War 1 marched by.  My great-grandfather was one of them.  Each year that number dwindled until there were no more.  They (and other veterans) faced atrocities that we cannot imagine.  They saw the worst side of humanity.  They saw what happens when Jesus is not the center.

Today, we seldom hear the unvarnished accounts of our soldiers.  One political side or the other tends to slant things to benefit themselves rather than just give the facts.  Perhaps that is why the “honor” often seems missing amongst us.  Perhaps that is why many people will not even think about what November 11 is.

I am grateful to live in a country where opportunities abound.  I am grateful to live in a country where we enjoy freedoms that so many others do not experience.  I am grateful that many of our citizens are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure those freedoms.

Our veterans deserve our thanks.  They deserve our honor.  They deserve to be remembered on November 11.

I urge you to remember – to thank – to give honor.  And be sure to thank God for those willing to stand for us.

Are You Upset about Chandler?

DrJayCook Christian Life , , , , , ,

Many of us remember the hit TV show “Friends.”  It not only had incredible ratings when it was first aired, but 20 years after its finale, one can still find it on some channel every day.  It was and is a cultural phenomenon.

Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) died recently at the young age of 54.  I say “young” because that is how old I am, and I definitely am not old – ha-ha.  It was a surprise and garnered many emotions.  Did you know about it?

Many people felt like they knew Matthew, so his death seemed like the loss of a “real” friend.  However, we see that a lot – don’t we?  Celebrities die.  Politicians die.  People that we have never met but have watched from afar die, and we feel the loss.

But what about those who are physically in your life?

Life is short.  Life is chaotic.  Life takes unexpected turns.  Psalm 39:4 reminds us of this by stating: “Lord, make me aware of my end and the number of my days so that I will know how short-lived I am.”  Also, Psalm 90:12 states: “Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.”

With each passing year, we recognize how quickly life moves ahead.  Christmas is almost here, but I feel like I just put the Christmas decorations up a few weeks ago.  My adult son and teenage daughter were toddlers a few months ago (in my mind).

And what about those “real” friends we have?  It is easy to think that we will get together in a few weeks even though it rarely happens.  It is easy to think that we will catch up on the phone in a few days even though life throws something else at us that causes us to put it off – again.  How are you helping, enjoying, and investing in those friendships?

And what about the most important relationship in life?  What about your relationship with God?  It is easy to think that we will get things right with Him when life calms down – though it never does.  It is easy to think that we will get more involved in things that please Him when we have more time – though time seems to be moving faster and faster.

Perhaps it is time for us to stop letting life dictate OUR lives.  Perhaps it is time for us to begin doing and being what we should do and be.  Perhaps it is time to allow a wakeup call to actually wake us up.

Let us enjoy life the way God intended.

What Kind of Medicine is Laughter?

DrJayCook Random Thoughts , , ,

For those of us who did not have online news and social media as children, do you remember enjoying The Reader’s Digest?

Honestly, there was only one section that I really enjoyed as a child: “Laughter Is the Best Medicine.”  Perhaps that is why I still enjoy a good “Dad Joke” every now and then.  I like to laugh.  I like verses like Proverbs 17:22: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

However, I think we can agree that while walking through our day-to-day lives, most people seem to have dried up bones – not joyful hearts.  Why?

As adults, we know that life is hard.  The responsibilities we have seem enormous.  The pressures we endure seem relentless.  The weight of the world seems to rest on our shoulders.  It is enough to steal our laughter.

Of course, I also realize that you cannot go through life in a constant state of hilarity.  Good things (like happiness) can be taken to an extreme.  However, Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us that there is a time to laugh.

God knows how important joy is.  He even told the Israelites to set aside days of celebration that Numbers 10:10 calls “joyous occasions.”  We cannot be healthy if we are not enjoying life.

The problem we face is not understanding what brings real joy to life.  Paul stated in Romans 14:17, “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”  True joy comes from a life that is right with God.

Jesus clarified this as we read what He said in John 15:11-12: “‘I have told you these things that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.  This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you.”  Love God.  Love others.  That is the source of true joy.

One will have to try really hard to not experience joy if they love God and love others.  And I do not believe that most of us want to not experience joy.

So, I choose the happier road.  I choose to love God and love others.  I choose to recognize how blessed I am and how much of a blessing I can be to others.

Will you?

Click the picture below to find an additional resource that might help you choose joy…

What Do You Do When the World Is a Mess?

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The year is not over, but it is obvious that this has been a troubled year thus far.  We have watched inflation rates rise steadily along with the price of everything else.  We have witnessed war in Ukraine.  We have seen mobs in action.  We have been shocked as hatred spilled over in the Middle East.  And many of us have faced turmoil in our individual lives.

How can we face these things?  What can we do?

For those who have chosen to follow Jesus, we know that He told us in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.”  We know that is what He said, yet I see troubled and fearful hearts all around.

The reason that our world is a mess is because the world is a mess.  None of us are pure and sinless.  Sin is found in all of us, and that sin can lead to bigger and bigger tragedies.  Our own sinfulness has gotten us to this point.

As I have discovered, the only source of true hope and peace is found in Jesus.  Without Him, we are without hope and peace.  With Him, we can face the mess of our world.  We can experience the promise found in Psalm 34:4: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me and rescued me from all my fears.”

God does not cause evil.  We do that.  However, He is here, and He desires to help us face life’s messes.  He does not promise to take the messes away, but He promises to help us and work good out of evil for those who accept His salvation.

And that leads to what we should do – here – now.  Though none of us have a voice at the negotiating table, we can make an impact.  We can pray for our leaders to have wisdom and to do what is right (not necessarily what politics suggest).  We can pray for those in struggles to find safety, hope, and peace.  We can financially support those reputable organizations that are “on the ground.”  We can begin to change things on a global level by changing things on a local level by sharing the hope and peace of Jesus.

Yes, the world is a mess.  But we can do something about it.

Consider the following resource for more insight. Just click the picture to learn more…

Upstream or Downstream?

DrJayCook Christian Life, Culture, Direction, Kindness, Next Generation , , , , , ,

When I was young, all of the cool kids wore two different colored Izod shirts (one on top of the other).  Later, Jams clothing was the rage.  And today, whether it’s shoes, coats, or auto accessories, young people still go with the flow.  (Adults do too, of course.)

Most people tend to go along with whatever others are doing without really thinking about it.  Some crazes are not bad.  Some are.  History and current events show that.

I recently shared with some teens what I hope will help you deal with the rash of mob mentality we see locally, nationally, and internationally.  Whether a group lashes out physically, verbally, or emotionally, no amount of fussing or law changes can change hearts.  We must help others see how important it is to swim upstream instead of going with the flow.

The world at large pushes a self-centered mentality that leads to atrocities, bullying, and more (just look at the news or at history).  That is why we are told in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Going along to get along can lead to much hurt and disappointment.  Forcing oneself to focus on what is good and honorable can lead to great things.  We choose which path we will take.

Following what everyone else seems to be doing is not always the right thing to do.  In fact, it is dangerous.  Consider that James 4:4 states: “You adulterous people!  Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?  So whoever wants to be the friend of the world becomes the enemy of God.”  An enemy of God – did you catch that?

Most people do not weigh the consequences of their actions both on themselves as well as on others.  We personally see the consequences in the increasing mob events occurring and the rising rate of bullying.  It is not easy to stop and think, but it is not smart to not do so.

I stated that hearts must be changed, and that can only occur when hearts are returned to and focused on God.  Our neighbors need to know Him as Lord and Savior.  Our neighbors need to let Him be our guide.  We need that.

So, what will we do?  Will we sit back and watch the world fall apart?  Will we sit back and watch our neighbors and our young people live in utter pain?  Or will we share the only hope the world has (Jesus), and actually do something?

I choose to go upstream.  I choose the make a difference.  I hope that you do as well.

Consider the following resource for more insight. Click the picture to learn more…

Are You Worried about the Next Generation?

DrJayCook Christian Life, Culture, Direction, Next Generation , , , , , ,

I experienced two things this past week that caused me to think.  I had the opportunity to help with a school’s See You at the Pole event.  I also had the opportunity to speak to the Baptist Student Union at ECCC about making a difference.  Both opportunities involved great teens and young adults.  However, both opportunities led me to think about the responsibilities of adults.

Most of us realize that the world has changed.  There seems to be a greater acceptance of unwise choices and a greater disdain for biblical living.  Temptations are stronger and more prevalent.  Our young people are facing a harsher, more unpredictable future, and we must help them.

There was a day when we helped our younger ones prepare for the future.  Adults guided.  Adults mentored.  Adults passed down what they had learned.  Adults made sure that education was prioritized.  Adults made sure that faith was emphasized.

Today, many adults seem to hope that the next generation will magically be prepared.  Many adults seem to either try to live through their children or focus on their own “wants”.  Many adults do not even bother trying to make sure that faith is emphasized.  We must do better.  We can do better.

For those of us who are Christians, we must entrust the next generation to God.  We must realize that He knows what is best for all of us (including the next generation).  In turn, we must follow Him and help the next generation do the same.

Also, we must pray for them.  Just as we make sure they eat, sleep, remain healthy, and attend the things that are important, we must continually pray for their protection, direction, and spiritual maturity.  Their culture is hostile, so we must cover them in prayer.

Also, we must guide them.  We cannot expect other people to take on the duty of guiding our young people no matter how well-meaning we may think we and they are.  There are many wonderful people who strive to teach and train, but the responsibility lies with all of us (especially parents).

Proverbs 22:6 states: “Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.”

If we want the future to be different, we must do some different things.  We must accept and live out God’s directives.  The One who knows the future can guide us into it.

Check out the following resource for ideas on helping prepare the next generation. Click the picture to learn more…

Just Another Day?

DrJayCook Christian Life, Direction , , ,

Does the following sound familiar?

You get up on Monday and do what you have to do to make it through the day.  You do the same thing Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Saturday and Sunday might offer you a small break, but you know Monday is coming.

When I look at most people, their lives resemble the pattern above.  Life is dull, boring, and often dreadful.

Oscar Wilde was correct when he stated, “To live is the rarest thing in the world.  Most people exist, that is all.”

Do you really believe that existing is all that life has to offer?  Is life nothing more than a routine?

Though it often seems like most people are aimlessly wandering through life, that does not have to be true for you.  If you are a Christian, you can know and live out a purpose that is much bigger than just existing.  You see, Proverbs 16:4 states: “The LORD has prepared everything for his purpose.”

That includes you and me.  But whether we discover that purpose and live it out is the choice of each of us.

From my studies and experience, I would like to offer some suggestions.

First, pray.  Begin asking God to show you what your life could be.  Ask Him to help you be spiritually prepared to follow His leadership.  And keep praying.

Second, consider your strengths.  There are things that God has enabled you to do (both natural and learned things).  God does not give us abilities for no reason.

Third, consider what gets you excited.  We are all different, and God gives us passions that are suited for each person.

Fourth, get the input of some godly friends.  They know you and they know the Lord.  They might be able to tell you things that you cannot see.

Fifth, begin with small steps.  When you have an idea of what God wants of and for you, begin doing it.  Start small.  Build your knowledge and skills in that area.  Take larger steps bit by bit.

Sixth, help others.  You are surrounded by many others who do not know what to do.  Help them discover the life that they should be living.

And remember that Jesus said, “I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10)

You may want to check out one of the most-read books on this. Click the picture to find out more…