Friday, May 7, 2010

How Far Is It to Heaven? By Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 7, 2010
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

How Far Is It to Heaven? By Keith Cook

"Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3:2

Repentance means to change your ways and change directions in the way that you are living. You may be going away from God now, but when you repent, you come towards God. The Bible says that we Must Repent because the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

If the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, we must learn how far it is to Heaven. Recently, I asked some children this very question. I got many answers. One of my favorites was, "It's a million quazillion miles away!" I'm not even sure if that's a word, but I couldn't help but laugh. Another young girl stated, "It's not a million quazillion miles away, it's just right up there. You can see it just above the clouds." Spiritually speaking, I believe that Heaven is closer than you may think. I believe that Heaven is just three steps away.

1. Admit that you are a sinner.
2. Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross just for you.
3. Call upon the name of the Lord to be saved.

After taking these three steps, you will have Heaven in your heart, and Heaven as your final destination! Heaven is so close!

Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God to search your heart and reveal unconfessed sins so that you may live in peace and obedience and
in expectation of Heaven.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The GoAudio Podcasts and Radio Ministries. Currently we are producing various programs which go over the internet and international airwaves. Pray that God will continue to bless the On The GoAudio Podcasts and that He will expand the listening base. Visit OnTheGo.org to hear past broadcasts.

Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.

Copyright (c) 2004, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________

Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this
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Thursday, May 6, 2010

Called to Pray by the Staff of On The Go and the Presidential Prayer Team

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 6, 2010
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Called to Pray by the Staff of On The Go and the Presidential Prayer Team

The Staff at On The Go Ministries, the Presidential Prayer Team, and the National Day of Prayer Task Force would like to invite you to join us in celebrating the "National Day of Prayer"!

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." I Timothy 2:1-4

Today is the day set aside as the National Day of Prayer across America. Prayer is a powerful weapon. Prayer can break through strongholds, which have stood firm for years. God wants His Children to become mighty, active prayer warriors!

The National Day of Prayer has a rich history, dating from the first declaration of a day of prayer and fasting that was implemented by George Washington to President Lincoln's call for prayer and fasting during the Civil War to the modern-day declaration signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1952.

Prayer is an opportunity to praise God for His mighty works, His gift of freedom, His mercy, and His boundless love. Through prayer, we recognize the limits of earthly power and acknowledge the sovereignty of God. Prayer leads to humility and a grateful heart, and it turns our minds to the needs of others.

As our nation looks to the future, the need for prayer remains high. This year the National Day of Prayer Task Force has chosen seven categories of praying for America.

Select Prayer Focus:

Use this list to guide and direct your prayer time. As you pray for the individuals listed, pray that they will be given godly wisdom and guidance, great strength and divine protection in the key positions they hold. Remember, especially, our troops who safeguard freedom overseas.

1. Prayer for the National Leaders: We must continue to pray that God protects our way of life, asking that He would install in office men and women who are committed to serving their constituents with integrity. May God's hand of wisdom and guidance remain upon each segment of our society, and through His Spirit, may believers be inspired to "pray continually" (I Thessalonians 5:17). We are assured that the Almighty hears our petitions. As people from coast to coast lift their voices in prayer, repentance and humility, we simply cannot underestimate how the Lord will respond.

2. Pray for our Military: Pray that our accounts of U.S. military actions from the media are relayed fairly and impartially. Our troops are deserving of their fellow Americans' gratitude and respect, and accurate reporting can play an important role in rallying the American people around our brave servicemen. Pray for divine protection and guidance for our armed forces. Intercede for military chaplains and loved ones at home.

3. Pray for the Media: We must also remember to intercede on behalf of the actors, musicians and athletes our young people seek to emulate. Pray that more of Hollywood's celebrities will be worthy of our respect and admiration. And as you watch your favorite sport, ask the Lord to strengthen and embolden any Christians on the team or coaching staff. Nothing is too difficult for God and though the industry often seems unprincipled, we know the Lord is able to use the media to accomplish His purposes. Pray for truth and morality to be presented.

4. Pray for Education: With this type of atmosphere pervading our classrooms, it's especially critical that we pray for our nation's public school teachers, administrators and students. Ask the Lord to raise up a new generation of dedicated educators who will commit themselves not only to an honest, accurate presentation of all subject matter, but who will also serve as positive role models for their students. In addition, let's not forget to uphold our local school boards in prayer as they make decisions about the various curricula that are used across the country. Pray for safety, morally sound instruction and wholesome environments.

5. Pray for Business: In this climate, executives with strong ethics are especially deserving of our recognition and patronage. A great way to encourage such business leaders is to support Marketplace Chaplains USA, a group that positions chaplains in companies across the country. Also, continue praying that God will provide corporate America with business leaders who are committed to conducting themselves honorably. Pray that God will raise up His ambassadors in the workplace.

6. Pray for the Church: Pray for the Lord to spark a revival throughout our nation, protect the witness of our pastors, and continue to sanctify and purify Christians around the world. We know that the spiritual condition of homes, communities and countries often points back to the believers within those regions. That being the case, it's all the more important that we strive after righteousness, corporately as well as individually. Pray for unity and boldness in proclaiming God¹s Word.

7. Pray for Families: Please pray for the family to be preserved as the Lord intended the marital union of one man and one woman devoted to each other and to raising the children in their home to be responsible, caring adults. Also keep in mind our elected leaders and the members of our judicial system as they consider proposed legislation and various court cases related to marriage and the family. This is one of the most crucial matters facing our nation, and it's imperative that God's people remain diligent in intercession for these concerns. Pray that families will follow godly principles.

Suggested Prayer for The National Day of Prayer:

Lord,

We are thankful for the abundant blessings You have bestowed on America. Our forefathers looked to You as Protector, Provider, and the Promise of hope. But we have wandered far from that firm foundation. May we repent for turning our backs on Your faithfulness.

We pray that this great nation will be restored by Your forgiveness.

From bondage, You grant freedom.

Through Your own sacrifice, You offer salvation.

From the state of despair, You offer peace.

From the bounties of Heaven, You have blessed ­ not because of our goodness ­ but by Your grace.

You have given us freedom to worship You in spirit and in truth as Your holy Word instructs. May our lives honor You in word and deed. May our nation acknowledge that all good things come from the Father above.

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that our nation should set apart a day for national prayer to confess our sins and transgressions in sorrow, ³yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardonŠ announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.²

³We have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our own hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our ownŠ we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us! It behooves us thenŠ to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.²

Help us to pray earnestly for our president and leaders who govern, that they will humble themselves and seek Your guidance so that everything we do will shine the light of Your glory in a darkened world.

May our prayers as a people and a nation be heard and blessed for such a time as this. We make this plea in faith, believing in the mighty name of Jesus our Lord.

Amen

Suggested Prayer Scriptures:

Use these scripture verses to set the tone for your observance of The National Day of Prayer.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

³In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.² Romans 8:26

³And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.² Ephesians 6:18

³Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.² Colossians 4:2,3

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him" Nahum 1:7

³Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,³ Ephesians 3:20

³Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.² James 5:16

Important Websites

National Day of Prayer: www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
The Presidential Prayer Team: www.presidentialprayerteam.org
How to Know God: www.needhim.org

Today's devotion was compiled in accompaniment with The Presidential Prayer Team and the National Day of Prayer Task Force. This resource may be copied and distributed without further permission. Prepared by The National Day of Prayer Task Force. In order to visit the article in entirety or join an online prayer group today, visit www.ndptf.org.

Thank you for taking the time to pray for America. Prayer is our most powerful weapon. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.

Copyright (c) 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________

Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this
"On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own
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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Called to Pray by the Staff of On The Go and the Presidential Prayer Team

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 5, 2010
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Called to Pray by the Staff of On The Go and the Presidential Prayer Team

The Staff at On The Go Ministries and the Presidential Prayer Team would like to invite you to join us in celebrating the "National Day of Prayer"!

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." I Timothy 2:1-4

Tomorrow is the day set aside as the National Day of Prayer across America. Prayer is a powerful weapon. Prayer can break through strongholds, which have stood firm for years. God wants His Children to become mighty, active prayer warriors!

The National Day of Prayer has a rich history, dating from the first declaration of a day of prayer and fasting that was implemented by George Washington to President Lincoln's call for prayer and fasting during the Civil War to the modern-day declaration signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1952.

Prayer is an opportunity to praise God for His mighty works, His gift of freedom, His mercy, and His boundless love. Through prayer, we recognize the limits of earthly power and acknowledge the sovereignty of God. Prayer leads to humility and a grateful heart, and it turns our minds to the needs of others.

As our nation looks to the future, the need for prayer remains high. The worldwide growth of democracy and significant domestic issues all signal the importance of prayer for this season in the life of our nation and our president. You can help by giving your prayer support to the important effort of the National Day of Prayer.

If you are not already a member of The Presidential Prayer Team, we encourage you to show your support by joining this important prayer effort today. The goal of The Presidential Prayer Team is to mobilize 1% of the U.S. population, or 2.8 million people, to commit to pray daily for the President, his cabinet and our nation. This year the Presidential Prayer Team would like to invite you to join millions of praying Americans praying online for our nation. To learn how you can join this history-making effort, visit The Presidential Prayer Team at www.presidentialprayerteam.org .

Select Prayer Focus:

Use this list to guide and direct your prayer time. As you pray for the individuals listed, pray that they will be given godly wisdom and guidance, great strength and divine protection in the key positions they hold. Remember, especially, our troops who safeguard freedom overseas.

National Leaders: President: Barack Obama. Vice President: Joseph Biden. Cabinet Members: Hillary Clinton, Timothy Geithner, Robert Gates, Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., Kenneth Salazar, Thomas Vilsack, Gary Locke, Hilda Solis, Shaun L.S. Donovan, Raymond LaHood, Steven Chu, Arne Duncan, Eric Shinseki, Janet Napolitano. Cabinet Rank Members: Christina Romer, Lisa Jackson, Peter Orszag, Ronald Kirk, Ambassador Susan Rice, Rahm Emanuel. Members of the Congress in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The U.S. Supreme Court, Federal and Appellate Courts.

Pray for our State Leaders: U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, Governors, Lt. Governors, State Senators, State Representatives, State Supreme Court Justices.

Pray for Local Leaders: County Officials, Court Officials, City Officials, Judges, Mayors, Police Departments, Fire Departments, School Authorities (public & private).

Pray for Our Troops: Pray for their safety, their diligence, and that many will turn to God in faith. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifice and ask God to comfort their families while they are away from home.

Suggested Prayer for The National Day of Prayer:

Lord,

We are thankful for the abundant blessings You have bestowed on America. Our forefathers looked to You as Protector, Provider, and the Promise of hope. But we have wandered far from that firm foundation. May we repent for turning our backs on Your faithfulness.

We pray that this great nation will be restored by Your forgiveness.

From bondage, You grant freedom.

Through Your own sacrifice, You offer salvation.

From the state of despair, You offer peace.

From the bounties of Heaven, You have blessed ­ not because of our goodness ­ but by Your grace.

You have given us freedom to worship You in spirit and in truth as Your holy Word instructs. May our lives honor You in word and deed. May our nation acknowledge that all good things come from the Father above.

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that our nation should set apart a day for national prayer to confess our sins and transgressions in sorrow, ³yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardonŠ announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.²

³We have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our own hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our ownŠ we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us! It behooves us thenŠ to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.²

Help us to pray earnestly for our president and leaders who govern, that they will humble themselves and seek Your guidance so that everything we do will shine the light of Your glory in a darkened world.
May our prayers as a people and a nation be heard and blessed for such a time as this. We make this plea in faith, believing in the mighty name of Jesus our Lord.

Amen

Franklin Graham, 2010 Honorary Chairman, NDP Task Force

Suggested Prayer Scriptures:

Use these scripture verses to set the tone for your observance of The National Day of Prayer.

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him" Nahum 1:7

³Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, ³ Ephesians 3:20

³Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.² James 5:16

Important Websites

National Day of Prayer: www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
The Presidential Prayer Team: www.presidentialprayerteam.org
Mission America and the Lighthouse Movement: www.missionamerica.org
How to Know God: www.needhim.org

PROMOTE THE PRESIDENTIAL PRAYER TEAM PRESIDENTIAL.org IN YOUR CHURCH! DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES AT www.presidentialprayerteam.org .

Today's devotion was compiled in accompaniment with The Presidential Prayer Team. This resource may be copied and distributed without further permission. Prepared by The Presidential Prayer Team. info@presidentialprayerteam.org 1-800-295-1235. In order to become a Presidential Prayer Team Member, please visit The Presidential Prayer Team website at
www.presidentialprayerteam.org.

Copyright (c) 2004, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________

Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this
"On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own
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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Stand Strong, Tear Down the Wall of Sin by Laurie McTier

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 4, 2010
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Stand Strong, Tear Down the Wall of Sin by Laurie McTier

"...Joshua said to the people: 'Shout, for the LORD has given you the city!' So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city." Joshua 6:16, 20

We will never forget where we were when we saw the breaking news that many of the statutes of Sadaam Hussein had been torn down by Coalition forces and the Iraqi people. The people of Iraq have lived in fear and under dictatorship. They have been under the iron rule of an evil dictator who only sought personal gain.

As I have observed current events I am reminded of Joshua as he fought the battle of Jericho. God gave him specific battle commands. The Israelites marched around the city seven days in a row. On the seventh day, God gave them a mighty victory as they sought to remain faithful and follow His instructions. The priests blew their trumpets, the people shouted, and the walls fell flat before the army.

What walls or statutes do you have in your life. The Bible states that every man is born a sinner and has come short of the glory of God. When we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, He frees us from the penalty of our sin, and He forgives us and cleanses us. If we have sin in our lives, our communication line with God is broken. Sin separates us from God. Just as God tore down the walls of Jericho and the statutes of an evil dictator, He wants to tear down walls of sin in your life.

Ask God to search your heart and show you sin that is present. We must put on our spiritual armor every day to fight against the darts that Satan attempts to send our way. Stand strong, stand guard, stand faithful to God, and allow Him to reign supreme in your heart.

Personal Prayer Focus: Pray that God will destroy walls and statutes of evil that have developed in your life. Pray that He will purify your heart.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's GoCare ministry. This is our acts of kindness and benevolence ministry department. The focus of our GoCare ministry is to reach out to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of hurting individuals and to build bridges between churches and their communities.

Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.

Copyright (c) 2003, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________

Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this
"On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own
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Monday, May 3, 2010

Without Jesus, We Do Not Stand a Chance by Dr. Ken Mattox, DDS

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 3, 2010
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Without Jesus, We Do Not Stand a Chance by Dr. Ken Mattox, DDS

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17

As I look back over my life, I thank God for the many times He has protected me from myself. As a child, I was stubborn, rebellious, headstrong, and sassy. I remember my mother washing my mouth out with soap for saying nasty words when I was as young as five or six years old.

I received many whippings at home and at school, and I honestly needed every one of them. I sat alone in the auditorium in isolation many days. I was expelled in the fifth grade. In the seventh or eighth grade, a teacher told me that I would be in prison by the time I was twenty.

There are times in our lives that we need to realize that our way is not God's way, and we should turn back to Him. At the age of twelve, I made my profession of faith in Christ and was baptized.

Without Jesus, we do not stand a chance. The pressures on our young people today to drink alcohol, do drugs, commit fornication, lie, steal, and cheat are unbelievable! There's a void in our lives that only God can completely fill. Without Him, we fill it with everything else that is evil.

Christ's death and persecution paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sin debt. The Bible reads in Hebrews 4:16 that the gift of life and God's love are offered freely to all who will receive. Come boldly before God today and make your petitions known unto Him. The fact still remains, without Him, we do not stand a chance.

(This devotion was taken as an excerpt with permission from Dr. Mattox's book entitled "A Light in the Darkness". This book contains scripture references that have impacted Dr. Mattox's life and illustrations from some of experiences on the mission field. To receive your own personal copy of his book, please contact On The Go Ministries. Dr. Mattox went home to Heaven in October, 2006. He has been such a blessing to all of us fortunate to know and minister with him. Thank you Dr. Mattox!)

Personal Prayer Focus: Praise God for His unconditional love and unending love that has been freely offered so that we might come to know Him and have an intimate relationship with Him.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go Ministry Supporters. It takes teamwork to make the dream work! Our ministry supporters have made commitments to play a vital part of our team through praying, sharing, caring, going, and growing.

Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.

Copyright (c) 2003, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________

Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this
"On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own
subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at
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Sunday, May 2, 2010

Jesus Refines You by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 2, 2010
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Jesus Refines You by Keith Cook

"And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." Malachi 3:3

I found this story online several years ago and it has blessed my life and the lives of many others.

Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse: "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." Malachi 3:3

One lady decided to visit a silversmith and that she would report to the others on what he said about the subject. She went accordingly and without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver.

After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?" "Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith, "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression; He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace, but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying. His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random. He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?" "That's quite simple", replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."

Today as you go about your life and ministry I pray Jesus can see Himself in you.

Personal Prayer Focus: Pray that you will be used of God this week to reflect the compassion and character of God to all you meet.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The GoTeam Short Term Missions Projects and GoTeam Members. GoTeams are made up of young people and adults who voluntarily go on an On The Go mission project around the world and are making a strategic impact for Christ.

Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.

Copyright (c) 2003, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________

Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this
"On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own
subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at
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Saturday, May 1, 2010

Why We Don't Share Our Faith by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 1, 2010
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

Why We Don't Share Our Faith by Keith Cook

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

There are many different reasons why we don't share our faith in Jesus Christ. You may never be an expert at sharing your faith but you are called by God to share whenever you have an opportunity. I personally love to tell others about Christ and have learned over the years to share my faith more effectively. The most important thing to do is to actually talk with people about Jesus Christ.

Many people try to memorize thousands of scriptures and always have outreach tools and formulas prepared so that "if they say this...I will say this," or "if they do this...I will do this". The main thing that God wants everyone to do every day is to go out in the power of the Holy Spirit and tell the Good News. Every day and every second with our life, with our attitude, and with our words we all can be greatly and mightily used by God.

There are four reasons why we don't share our faith.

1) Laziness. We can just sit back and not do anything to further the Kingdom. Some trust that the pastors and missionaries will do all the "soul winning". They wrongly believe it's not their responsibility.

2) Lack of Knowledge. We may think that we do not know enough to share the wonderful message of Jesus Christ. We are afraid that we will not say the right thing or not give enough Biblical insight to get someone really saved. This is not true because as Christians we always have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, and He will give everyone the right words to say.

3) Sin. There are many times when we don't feel that we can rise up and do what God wants us to do because of present sin. The Bible says that we can confess our sins, and forsake them, and they will be gone. When we confess our sins, God doesn't remember it, and neither should we. Do not let sin rob you of the honor of sharing your faith in Christ with someone else.

4) Fear. This is the number one reason why we don't share our faith. Fear is holding us back from obeying God and fulfilling the Great Commission. When we allow fear to rule our live we are in effect putting more faith in the devil than we are in God. Fear has been called "faith in the devil."

Today, God wants us to take our fear, our laziness, our lack of
knowledge, and our sin and put them all into His care. He will take care of us and give us all the courage to share our faith in Jesus Christ.

Daily Prayer: Pray that God will forgive you for your laziness, lack of knowledge, present sin, and fear that have kept you from actively sharing your faith in Jesus Christ.

On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook Crusades, Celebrations, and Festivals. God has given Keith the opportunity and privilege of sharing the message of Christ both stateside and internationally. During each opportunity, Keith presents a joyful and enthusiastic, yet powerful and clear presentation of the Gospel and a call to commitment to Christ.

Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.

Copyright (c) 2009, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
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