Entries by Tony Cooke

A Mobster’s Discovery

Humor Section (cont) A mobster discovers that his deaf accountant has cheated him out of ten million bucks.  He confronts him, bringing along an interpreter.  “Ask him where the money […]

Avoiding the Ditches of Pride and Inferiority

The good news, though, is that we can truly base our identity on who we are in Christ, not based on our performance or the opinions of others. It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” It is vital to keep in mind that when other people don’t act right—when they are ugly or indifferent—it is typically a reflection of who they are, not a reflection of who you are. ...read more

When the Call Seems Small

A friend recently shared an important truth… that we need to know how to handle it when the call seems small. Perhaps you’ve had workers in your church doing what you know is valuable work, but they are unsettled, thinking they’re supposed to be doing something they consider more important. Pastors can also feel frustration because their church or budget isn’t as large as they’d like. …read more

Approval, Appreciation, and Affirmation

A philosopher once observed, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” We might dispute his conclusion, arguing instead that man’s need for God is the deepest need of human nature. However, I think we would all agree that people—including ourselves—have a need to feel valued and appreciated. Mark Twain expressed how much the affirmation of others meant to him when he said, “One compliment can keep me going for a whole month.” …read more

What About Bob?

I recently ministered for Pastor Jerry Piker in Laurie, Missouri. Over the past 20 years, Jerry and Shirlene have built a great church in a small community (the sign as you drive into town says, “Population 663”). Jerry has a servant’s heart, and like many pastors, he’s done whatever it’s taken over the years to get the job done (mowing the yard, maintenance, etc. in addition to preaching and caring for the people). …read more

Leading in the Midst of Adverse Circumstances

Leading in the Midst of Adverse Circumstances A couple of years ago, I was in an auto body detailing shop in Tulsa. Like many businesses, they had a sign above […]

In Whose Hands Are You?

I first saw this piece in “A Contemporary Handbook for Weddings & Funerals, by Aubrey Malphurs and Keith Wilhite (Kregel Publications).  I’ve updated it slightly in a couple of places. […]

What is Scripture For?

In listening to some modern voices, you would get the impression that the Word of God is given only for encouragement and enlightenment. Some teach that if believers will simply be enlightened as to who they are in Christ, then everything else in their life will automatically fall in line. If that were the case, then Paul would have said that Scripture was simply for enlightenment, but he did not say that. … read more

Who’s Trying?

Who’s Trying? I heard about a critic who had visited various churches and listened as preachers made such statements as: “Don’t try to earn your way into heaven.” “Don’t try […]

Warning Signs of Financial Manipulation

Warning Signs of Financial Manipulation Tony Cooke The Apostle Paul was painfully aware of “so-called” ministers whose motives and methods were driven by greed. He made it a point to […]

Weak Leaders

Weak Leaders Rev. Tony Cooke There’s a lot to be said for strength.  Given the choice, I think most everyone would say they prefer strength over weakness.  Everyone wants their […]

Treasure that is New – Treasure that is Old

Treasure that is New – Treasure that is Old Tony Cooke I was in a church recently, and during the worship service the congregation sang some of the newer worship […]

Trophimus and Our Need for Resilient Faith

Trophimus and Our Need for Resilient Faith Tony Cooke If you ask most Christians about the identity of Trophimus, you will probably get a blank stare or a shrug of […]

Reflections from Paul’s Journey Tour in 2006

Reflections from the Tour (Paul’s Journeys – March 1-10, 2006) By Tony Cooke As we toured the sites connected with the ministries of Paul and John, I was deeply impressed […]

Trade-Offs, Pay-Offs, and Rip-Offs

Trade-Offs, Pay-Offs, and Rip-Offs Tony Cooke Life is full of trades. When you were a kid in the school lunchroom, you may have traded your peanut butter sandwich for someone […]

The Challenge by Tony Cooke

The Challenge Rev. Tony Cooke  Someone once said, “There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.”  Many of the extraordinary achievements […]

TCM is Ten Years Old!

TCM is Ten Years Old! This month marks the 10-Year Anniversary of Tony Cooke Ministries. On May 18, 2002, I headed to Virginia to preach our first official TCM service. […]

Teflon or Velcro by Tony Cooke

Teflon or Velcro Tony Cooke “I’m rubber, you’re glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.” Did you ever hear that said on the playground as a […]

A Tale of Two Basins by Tony Cooke

A Tale of Two Basins Tony Cooke There are two stories in the New Testament that occurred within twenty-four hours of each other, and they create an amazing contrast of […]

Tact and Diplomacy by Tony Cooke

Tact and Diplomacy – Keys to Building (Not Burning) Bridges Rev. Tony Cooke A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the […]