Christian Life

Discover What St. Patrick’s Day Can Show Us

DrJayCook Christian Life , , , , , ,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I hope yours is a special one.

Honestly, most of us (if we celebrate at all) focus on wearing green, eating corned beef and cabbage, and decorating with leprechauns and shamrocks.  That is how we often celebrate holidays – not for what they represent but for what they have become.

St. Patrick’s Day is about a missionary who changed a country, and we celebrate it in honor of the day he died (March 17).

Patrick was born in Britain in the late 300s.  When he was 16, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland where he was forced to tend sheep and treated terribly.  However, during that time he grew in his trust in God, in prayer, and in living the way He should.

He wrote later in Confession of Saint Patrick: “After I arrived in Ireland, I tended sheep every day, and I prayed frequently during the day.  More and more the love of God increased and my sense of awe before God.  Faith grew, and my spirit was moved, so that in one day I would pray up to one hundred times…”

After several years, he escaped and went home where he felt God’s direction to enter the ministry.  He faithfully served and became a bishop, but there was more to come.

Patrick felt the call to return to Ireland to share the hope of Jesus.  He did return, but it was not easy and was often dangerous.  He served 29 years in Ireland, baptized over 100,000 people, and built 300 churches.  He also became known for the unique way he explained the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit): he used a three-leaf clover to describe it.

Very little will be said about Patrick’s actual life and impact, but you now know.  And I hope it makes the day more meaningful because his life shows us great truths.

Life is often cruel and hard.  People can be mean and thankless.  But we are reminded in Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”  God did not say that all things are good, but He did say that all things will work together for the good of His faithful followers.

We must remember that God has a bigger plan for our lives than we could imagine.  After all, we are reminded in Psalm 31:15: “The course of my life is in your power…”

Like Patrick, we must keep our eyes focused on the prize.  We must let God lead.  We must trust Him completely, and we will find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  The good news is that that pot of gold is what God has in store for those who persevere.

Dig into more of this man’s life by checking out the following resource…

Do You Have a Tissue?

DrJayCook Christian Life, God, Immanuel , , , , , , , ,

Our family is SO sad because our 14-year-old puppy left us this weekend.  I enjoyed walking my dog, and she loved it, too.  However, it was a little tougher with the COLD weather of late.

I normally am not one who has a runny nose, but walking in the cold changes that.  Suddenly, my nose thinks it is a running faucet, and I need a tissue.  I am not one to carry tissues with me, but when I need one, I need one.

And that caused a lightbulb moment for me.  How often do we treat God like a tissue?  How often do we fail to acknowledge or talk to Him unless we are in need?  How often do we forget that He is with His children – always?

We just exited the Christmas season where we sang about Immanuel – God with us (Matthew 1:23).  But do we realize it?

Being a Christian is not about agreeing with some code or creed.  It is not about having your name on a membership role.  Being a Christian is about accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and when that happens, He saves you and comes into your life.  God lives in you.

Consider what Romans 8:9 states: “You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.  If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”  If you are a child of God, the Holy Spirit is in you.

Jesus promised this.  He said (in John 14:17) about the Holy Spirit: “‘He is the Spirit of truth.  The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him.  But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you.’”  And the reason is clear.  Jesus made a promise in Matthew 28:20: “‘…And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

He is not to be treated like a tissue.  He is with you always.  And that should means something to us.

First, it means that He is at work.  God is still active and moving.

Second, it means that He has a plan.  He clearly wants you to be part of it.

Third, it means that we can trust Him.  He will never leave His child, and He loves us.

Fourth, it means that we should act like we know it.  Our daily lives should demonstrate that we are His and live for Him.

So – if it is cold outside, grab a tissue.  But as you live your daily life, do not treat God that way.  He already is with you (if you are His child).  Live like it.

For better thoughts than I had on this, check out this classic, beloved book on the subject…

It Is Cold Outside, But Is It Inside?

DrJayCook Christian Life, Revival , , , , , ,

This weather never ceases to amaze us.  The jokes about weather in the south going from cold to hot to rainy to sunny (all in one day) are definitely based on truth.  However, I have been cold lately.  Have you?

It led me to think about a concept we often use relating to being on fire.  It does not refer to temperature but to something deep in us.  It is referring to burning enthusiasm, being eager, and being zealous.  To “light a fire under” someone means that you want to motivate them to get things done.

Spiritually, we need to be “on fire” too.  We need to be zealous for God.  We need to be eager to grow and make a difference for Him.

It is a concept we see God desiring of everyone and demanding of His followers.

In Old Testament days you can see examples of many who were “on fire” – zealous for God.  David, Elijah, Hezekiah, and Josiah are just a few examples.  And because of their eagerness to live for God, God used the in mighty ways.

Then came John the Baptist.  When he referred to what Jesus was about to do, he told everyone that he baptized people with water, but Jesus was going to baptize “with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11)

When Jesus began His church, He kept the imagery going.  The Holy Spirit invaded our world to dwell the hearts of Christians, and as Acts 2 tells us, He entered “like flames of fire.”

God wants, demands, and deserves us to be passionate for Him.  If you are not, it is because you are either cold or lukewarm.  Those who are cold cannot be passionate for God because they do not have the Holy Spirit through salvation.  Those who are lukewarm are not passionate for God because though they have asked Jesus to save them, they have allowed other things to take control of their heart.

I urge you to be “on fire.”  And for some, that means you must accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  He is the only way to be saved.  Get in a good church and find out how – now – please.

For many of us, we need to stoke the fire.

Pray.  Talk to God, and listen to Him.

Read and meditate on God’s Word.  It is His message to us.

Serve God.  Life is not about what WE want or can get.  Life is about what we can do for Him.

Fellowship.  Build relationships with other Christians who can build you up.

Worship.  Actually worship.  Do not just go through the motions.

Share the hope.  Many do not know the hope that Jesus gives.

It may be cold outside, but I am urging us all to be “on fire.”

You may want to check out the following resource for more insight into this. Click the picture to find out more…

Who Are You?

DrJayCook Christian Life , , , ,

Who are you?

Really – who are you?

That question usually leads us to think about a label.  We think of a name, the family from which one comes, achievements or characteristics, one’s job, one’s failures, one’s flaws, or any other label we can attach.  But none of those things truly define who you are.

If you are a Christian, do you realize that you are the person God created to accomplish God’s great plan?

Many times we pay homage to God but do not truly trust Him until we face some form of devastation.  He definitely can help us overcome adversity, but we miss out on all that God could do when we fail to remain or abide in Him at all times.

Jesus said in John 15:4-5: “‘Remain in Me, and I in you.  Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in Me.’”  He can help us accomplish what we could never dream of doing on our own.

And He also enables us to see how great He is, how not-so-great we are, and how incredible His love and grace are.  It is like John stated in 1 John 3:1: “See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children – and we are!”

Christian, you are God’s child.  And God wants you to recognize who you really are, who you could be, and who you should be.

It is amazing to look through the Bible and see how often God used broken and imperfect people for greatness.  Those people had bad labels but trusted God, and He enabled them to do what they never dreamed possible.

So, yes, your identity is rooted in Jesus.  However, if you do not recognize that, you are asking for trouble.  It is like Paul reminded us in 1 Corinthians 15:48-49: “Like the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; like the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven.  And just as we have born the image of the man of dust, we also bear the image of the man of heaven.”

Do not let the labels distract you or keep you back.  Find your purpose and joy in Jesus.  Discover who you really should be.

Check out the following resource for more ideas about who you really are by clicking the picture…

Do You Have Margin?

DrJayCook Christian Life , , , ,

When I was working on my doctorate, we had to read Richard Swenson’s book called Margin.  I did not understand why it was necessary until I actually read it.  I am glad that I did.

We all know how busy life is.  It is so easy to fill (or overfill) your schedule with things pertaining to work, school, family, friends, and interests.  That is why we often feel like we do not have enough energy or time.  We do not have room for the unexpected.  And people constantly seem to want more of you.

We need margin.

Normally, we think of a margin as the empty space on the edge of a piece of paper – a boundary.  Margin in life is like that.  It is the space between what we try to do and what we actually can do – a boundary.  Whether we like it or not, we need some room in our lives, our schedule, our money, our emotions, our physical being, our relationships, and our spiritual life.

Jesus created margin.  He took time to get away, so He could be alone with the Father.  He took His disciples aside to get refreshed.  He took the time to make sure He and the disciples were focused on what they should.

If Jesus needed margin, we definitely need it.

We need to have time and energy for what really matters.  If we would live less frantic lives, we would be in a better mood.  If we had margin, we would be better people.  If we created margin, we could grow closer to God.

But how do we do it?

We must determine what matters to us.  There are certain things and people that mean a lot to us.  We need to be able to enjoy them.

We must plan out our lives.  We need to realize how much time we spend scrolling on our phones or watching television.  We need to realize how much time and money we could have if we planned out our lives.

We must ask God to show us what He desires.  Sometimes our plans and desires may not be exactly what God desires.  However, I can assure you that whatever He desires will be the best choice.  Ask Him.  Read the Bible.  Follow His path.

Margin can be a reality in your life or lacking from your life.  The choice is yours.

You may want to read Swenson’s book for yourself.  It could be a LOT of help.  Just click the picture below to check it out…

What Are You Doing for the New Year?

DrJayCook Christian Life , , ,

It is kind of funny how we stay up really late on December 31 and get up late on January 1 because of our celebration of the New Year.  But if you think about it, we are actually getting the last out of the old year while starting the new year a little late.  The way people gripe about each year (recently), it seems odd to squeeze everything out of it before going to the next.

At any rate, it is upon us.  And one of the things often done to ring in a new year is making New Year’s Resolutions.  We mean well, but we seldom keep them; in fact, studies show that only 9% of us actually reach those goals.  23% give up on the gals in the first week of January, and 43% give up by the end of January.

Goals are good, but I would like to suggest that we instead determine to have focused direction in the new year.  The new year is important, and we need to make the most of it.  Consider that Psalm 90:12 states: “Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.”

First, we should focus on the past.  We need to think about the lessons we have learned, the prayers that have been answered, the blessings of God, and the faithfulness of God.  This will help us face the new year.

Second, we should focus on the present.  We need to be right with God, so we need to get right with God.  We must ask Him to help us do as He desires and to give us the direction we need.  We need to enjoy the family and other relationships we have.  And we must commit to grow by committing to our church, Bible reading, and prayer.  This will help us face the new year.

Third, we should focus on the future.  We must ask God to help us trust Him more, so we can face whatever the future holds.  We also need to take care of ourselves, so we can face tomorrow in the best way.  This will help us face the new year.

Make the most of the new year.  Remember the wisdom of Ephesians 5:15-17: “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk – not as unwise people but as wise – making the most of the time, because the days are evil.  So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

You might want to consider the following resource that teaches some good principles on focused living. Though it says that it is for leaders, the principles are true for everyone. Click the picture to learn more…

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…

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.

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…