Since we are getting close to the end of the year, now is the time to make last minute preparations and planning steps for the annual ritual of the dreaded United States income tax return. Once you provide your information to your CPA to prepare your income tax return, it is too late to take any tax planning/tax saving steps for the prior year (aside from possibly contributing to an IRA).
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-12-14 00:50:442020-10-21 00:18:04Year End Tax Planning Strategies for Pastors by Mark Helland
“I have depended on you my entire life, yet I have never seen you with my own eyes. You have served me faithfully and yet we have never spoken. You have helped me every day to reach out and touch the world but I have never thanked you. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-12-12 00:01:382020-10-20 01:38:19An Unlikely “Thank You” by Andy White
If you are a parent, friend, or family member of someone who is rebelling and living a destructive lifestyle, never cease in praying for that person. Without a doubt, the only reason I am still breathing on this earth today is because of divine intervention, caused by prayer, during dangerous scenarios. This intercession kept me alive until I finally responded to God’s love and redemption. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2015-12-11 01:05:492023-04-10 14:48:24Waiting for the Prodigal to Return by Lisa Cooke and Andrew Cooke
As we traveled the Mediterranean recently, I found myself periodically looking out at the water and imagining Paul on one of his voyages. During the day when the sun is shining, the Great Sea (as it was called by the ancients) is stunningly beautiful. But at night, especially if there are rough waters, the Sea is daunting, intimidating, and not at all inviting. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-12-11 00:39:172021-01-19 02:59:41A Night and a Day in the Deep
God’s plan is to bring multiplication and increase into our life. Each of the seven Laws of Increase defines a different aspect of increase according to God’s definition, challenging our existing definitions, presumptions, and motivations to pursue increase. … read more
Your ability to connect with people and stay connected with your spouse will be directly determined on how approachable you are. People will marginalize you if you lack approachability. Your spouse will disconnect from you if s/he cannot trust you, if you are moody, or come across with a chip on your shoulder. … read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-11-02 03:41:152020-10-20 02:57:48How Approachable are You? by Steve Hutchinson
Ever since Adam and Eve tried to hide their sin from God in the garden, mankind has had the temptation to hide his sin from the eyes of the Omniscient One. How futile this is when we consider that God is able to know every moment of our being, nothing being hidden from Him. Hebrews 4:13 says, “And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Luke 8:17 says, “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.”…read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2015-11-02 02:52:292023-04-10 14:48:25An Honestly Lived Life by Lisa Cooke
“Whatever it takes to get the job done” means that you are willing to roll up your sleeves, to get your hands dirty, to go the extra mile, and to go above-and-beyond the call of duty. It means that you are not a prima donna, that you are not too good to serve. It means that you are a person of resolve, determination, and conviction. … read more
If you had a chance to do something over relative to your journey in ministry, what would it be? If you want to share more than one example, that’s great. This question is not meant to get anyone to focus on past mistakes, but rather, to help younger ministers learn from the wisdom and experience of others.
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-10-03 10:38:212020-10-20 02:53:49If Only I Could Be You by Steve Smothermon
In the fourth chapter of Philippians, a “fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” has arrived from the Philippians to Paul through Epaphroditus. This is not the first time the they have sent aid to Paul as he journeyed through the land, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ to all who would listen. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2015-10-03 09:59:522023-04-10 14:48:25The Reward of the Gift by Lisa Cooke
Something believers need to strongly consider these days is the issue of authority, and more specifically, God’s authority. A fundamental question every human being must answer has to do with whether or not they will submit their lives to God’s rule and reign. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-10-03 09:45:342021-01-19 03:01:06Who Will Rule Over You?
There’s power in praise. Some would probably call this a cliché, but I don’t know of a statement that holds more truth. I think sometimes we forget that praise is more than just a part of our church services. Amazing things happen when we praise. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-09-01 03:57:252020-10-20 02:49:59There’s Power in Praise by Aimee Flanders
Today’s American church culture does not lend itself to having a Healing Service on Sunday service meetings, nor does it lend itself to long, protracted services. But, healing the sick was a large part of Jesus’ ministry and purpose of His redemptive work on the Cross. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-09-01 02:48:222020-10-20 03:04:43Can You Have a Healing Service in Today’s American Church Culture? by Wyatt Brown
Recently, I read an article that stated between 1,700 and 1,800 pastors leave their assignments each month, most due to burnout or marital stress. Honestly, I read statistics like this and tend to think they will never affect me, my circle of friends or my sphere of influence. Recently, however, I had a big wake-up call. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-09-01 00:49:482020-10-20 03:43:57Building Relationships that Last by Norm Dubois
Church. The word by itself evokes a powerful image in the mind of most Americans. We imagine a building with a steeple, a gathering of like-minded people, the place people go to worship on Sunday or Saturday, at least on Easter or Christmas. Love it or hate it, church has been a part of our culture, and the culture of many parts of the rest of the world, for a long time. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2015-09-01 00:06:572023-04-10 14:48:25Through the Church by Lisa Cooke
In the past I did, but I no longer believe in food. If you stop and think about it, there is no unity or agreement in the food industry, so how could food be true? All you have to do is drive down the street and you’ll see countless contradictions when it comes to food. One place has Italian food, another place offers Chinese food, while yet another place promotes Barbecue. If you keep driving, you’ll see pizza joints, fast food places, and Mexican restaurants, all of which claim to provide—you guessed it—food. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-08-31 23:46:182021-01-19 03:02:06Why I No Longer Believe in Food
I’m a pastor who is endeavoring to balance church, marriage, family, work, etc. How accessible should I be? Should I be accessible 24/7 to everyone? Who should know my cell phone number? My house number? What is a healthy balance? I’d like to hear how other pastors manage their accessibility and make sure the people are properly cared for.
The Apostle Paul said, “…even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace” (Galatians 1:15 NLT). “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-08-04 20:43:562022-07-22 07:57:13Q & A – What Does the Bible Say About Preborn Children?
Solomon gave us some insight concerning leadership, and its effects on people, organizations, and nations. He said, “A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit.”(1) He went on to describe good leadership by saying, “Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-08-04 20:19:442020-10-20 03:45:58What Kind of Leader Are You? by Marvin Yoder
In 2004, I began experiencing some nagging abdominal pain in my lower abdomen. I went to my family doctor who is also is my cousin. She felt I needed to have an MRI on my abdomen. So, it was scheduled for the next week at North Carolina Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-08-04 17:25:152020-10-20 03:48:40Healing and the Power of Relationship by Phil Edwards
There are basically two types of people on the planet. Those who insist, and those who assist. One type insists everything goes their way, and insists things are done the way they want them done, and if they are not, then you are going to hear about it. They are not looking to add value to anyone, they are takers, self-absorbed and self-consumed. For them it is, “my way or the highway.”… read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-08-04 17:05:152020-10-20 03:52:14Insist or Assist? by Jeff Jones
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Oh that we could truly fathom the depth of this statement! What an incredible difference it would bring to our lives if we would but accept and walk in the understanding of all that this verse means to us. …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Lisa Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngLisa Cooke2015-08-04 16:45:562023-04-10 14:48:25Your Father’s Good Pleasure by Lisa Cooke
In closing, let me reference something Abraham Lincoln said. He remarked, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” The great president had it right! It’s not God’s job to validate us for our ego’s sake; it’s our job to represent God for the sake of His glory. With humble hearts, let us seek to exalt and to promote the One who is always right! …read more
https://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.png00Tony Cookehttps://tonycooke.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCMLogo2022-300x138.pngTony Cooke2015-08-04 15:18:082022-07-22 07:57:13Six Reasons Why You’re Not Necessarily Right (and Neither Am I)
Year End Tax Planning Strategies for Pastors by Mark Helland
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeSince we are getting close to the end of the year, now is the time to make last minute preparations and planning steps for the annual ritual of the dreaded United States income tax return. Once you provide your information to your CPA to prepare your income tax return, it is too late to take any tax planning/tax saving steps for the prior year (aside from possibly contributing to an IRA).
An Unlikely “Thank You” by Andy White
/in Articles by Others /by Tony Cooke“I have depended on you my entire life, yet I have never seen you with my own eyes. You have served me faithfully and yet we have never spoken. You have helped me every day to reach out and touch the world but I have never thanked you. …read more
Waiting for the Prodigal to Return by Lisa Cooke and Andrew Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeIf you are a parent, friend, or family member of someone who is rebelling and living a destructive lifestyle, never cease in praying for that person. Without a doubt, the only reason I am still breathing on this earth today is because of divine intervention, caused by prayer, during dangerous scenarios. This intercession kept me alive until I finally responded to God’s love and redemption. …read more
A Night and a Day in the Deep
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeAs we traveled the Mediterranean recently, I found myself periodically looking out at the water and imagining Paul on one of his voyages. During the day when the sun is shining, the Great Sea (as it was called by the ancients) is stunningly beautiful. But at night, especially if there are rough waters, the Sea is daunting, intimidating, and not at all inviting. …read more
The Laws of Increase by Gerald Brooks
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeGod’s plan is to bring multiplication and increase into our life. Each of the seven Laws of Increase defines a different aspect of increase according to God’s definition, challenging our existing definitions, presumptions, and motivations to pursue increase. … read more
How Approachable are You? by Steve Hutchinson
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeYour ability to connect with people and stay connected with your spouse will be directly determined on how approachable you are. People will marginalize you if you lack approachability. Your spouse will disconnect from you if s/he cannot trust you, if you are moody, or come across with a chip on your shoulder. … read more
An Honestly Lived Life by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeEver since Adam and Eve tried to hide their sin from God in the garden, mankind has had the temptation to hide his sin from the eyes of the Omniscient One. How futile this is when we consider that God is able to know every moment of our being, nothing being hidden from Him. Hebrews 4:13 says, “And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Luke 8:17 says, “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.”…read more
Whatever It Takes
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony Cooke“Whatever it takes to get the job done” means that you are willing to roll up your sleeves, to get your hands dirty, to go the extra mile, and to go above-and-beyond the call of duty. It means that you are not a prima donna, that you are not too good to serve. It means that you are a person of resolve, determination, and conviction. … read more
Do-Over
/in Pastors' Forum /by Tony CookeIf you had a chance to do something over relative to your journey in ministry, what would it be? If you want to share more than one example, that’s great. This question is not meant to get anyone to focus on past mistakes, but rather, to help younger ministers learn from the wisdom and experience of others.
If Only I Could Be You by Steve Smothermon
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThe Reward of the Gift by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeIn the fourth chapter of Philippians, a “fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” has arrived from the Philippians to Paul through Epaphroditus. This is not the first time the they have sent aid to Paul as he journeyed through the land, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ to all who would listen. …read more
Who Will Rule Over You?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeSomething believers need to strongly consider these days is the issue of authority, and more specifically, God’s authority. A fundamental question every human being must answer has to do with whether or not they will submit their lives to God’s rule and reign. …read more
Life-Long Learning
/in Pastors' Forum /by Tony CookeI’ve heard it said that pastors need to be life-long learners. That makes sense to me, but I wonder exactly how pastors go about accomplishing that?
There’s Power in Praise by Aimee Flanders
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThere’s power in praise. Some would probably call this a cliché, but I don’t know of a statement that holds more truth. I think sometimes we forget that praise is more than just a part of our church services. Amazing things happen when we praise. …read more
Can You Have a Healing Service in Today’s American Church Culture? by Wyatt Brown
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeToday’s American church culture does not lend itself to having a Healing Service on Sunday service meetings, nor does it lend itself to long, protracted services. But, healing the sick was a large part of Jesus’ ministry and purpose of His redemptive work on the Cross. …read more
Building Relationships that Last by Norm Dubois
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeRecently, I read an article that stated between 1,700 and 1,800 pastors leave their assignments each month, most due to burnout or marital stress. Honestly, I read statistics like this and tend to think they will never affect me, my circle of friends or my sphere of influence. Recently, however, I had a big wake-up call. …read more
Through the Church by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa CookeChurch. The word by itself evokes a powerful image in the mind of most Americans. We imagine a building with a steeple, a gathering of like-minded people, the place people go to worship on Sunday or Saturday, at least on Easter or Christmas. Love it or hate it, church has been a part of our culture, and the culture of many parts of the rest of the world, for a long time. …read more
Why I No Longer Believe in Food
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIn the past I did, but I no longer believe in food. If you stop and think about it, there is no unity or agreement in the food industry, so how could food be true? All you have to do is drive down the street and you’ll see countless contradictions when it comes to food. One place has Italian food, another place offers Chinese food, while yet another place promotes Barbecue. If you keep driving, you’ll see pizza joints, fast food places, and Mexican restaurants, all of which claim to provide—you guessed it—food. …read more
Accessibility?
/in Pastors' Forum /by Tony CookeI’m a pastor who is endeavoring to balance church, marriage, family, work, etc. How accessible should I be? Should I be accessible 24/7 to everyone? Who should know my cell phone number? My house number? What is a healthy balance? I’d like to hear how other pastors manage their accessibility and make sure the people are properly cared for.
Q & A – What Does the Bible Say About Preborn Children?
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeThe Apostle Paul said, “…even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace” (Galatians 1:15 NLT). “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. …read more
What Kind of Leader Are You? by Marvin Yoder
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeSolomon gave us some insight concerning leadership, and its effects on people, organizations, and nations. He said, “A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit.”(1) He went on to describe good leadership by saying, “Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. …read more
Healing and the Power of Relationship by Phil Edwards
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeIn 2004, I began experiencing some nagging abdominal pain in my lower abdomen. I went to my family doctor who is also is my cousin. She felt I needed to have an MRI on my abdomen. So, it was scheduled for the next week at North Carolina Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. …read more
Insist or Assist? by Jeff Jones
/in Articles by Others /by Tony CookeThere are basically two types of people on the planet. Those who insist, and those who assist. One type insists everything goes their way, and insists things are done the way they want them done, and if they are not, then you are going to hear about it. They are not looking to add value to anyone, they are takers, self-absorbed and self-consumed. For them it is, “my way or the highway.”… read more
Your Father’s Good Pleasure by Lisa Cooke
/in Articles by Lisa Cooke /by Lisa Cooke“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Oh that we could truly fathom the depth of this statement! What an incredible difference it would bring to our lives if we would but accept and walk in the understanding of all that this verse means to us. …read more
Six Reasons Why You’re Not Necessarily Right (and Neither Am I)
/in Articles by Tony Cooke /by Tony CookeIn closing, let me reference something Abraham Lincoln said. He remarked, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” The great president had it right! It’s not God’s job to validate us for our ego’s sake; it’s our job to represent God for the sake of His glory. With humble hearts, let us seek to exalt and to promote the One who is always right! …read more