Marriage Goes Hollywood

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 15, 2012
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Marriage Goes Hollywood  By Keith Cook

"Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge."  Hebrews 13:4

Actress Cameron Diaz, has stated in the June issue of Maxim magazine that marriage is a “dying institution," “I think we have to make our own rules,” “I don't think we should live our lives in relationships based off old traditions that don't suit our world any longer." (1)

Upon hearing her remark I realized that to some degree she is right - marriage is a dying institution - dying to self and living for another's happiness and fulfillment, dying to the temptation to continue hunting for the next sexual conquest, and dying to doing, living, or thinking selfishly or for oneself.

While Hollywood preaches a message of loose living, on and off again commitments to marriage partners, and multiple attempts at finding the right partner they are not the only ones to blame for the decline of marriage importance in modern culture.

Who is to blame?  Everyone is to blame. Once anyone allows sin and compromise into their personal lives it will affect every area of their lives.

If a father mistreats his wife most agree that that is wrong. He may commit this sin for many reasons, none of which are valid. Yet - He may drink too much and get out of control, he may desire another spouse and take it out on the wife he has, he may be in a job he hates and feel unfulfilled. So he abuses his wife. Plain and simple. Yes - No!

Not only does the wife suffer abuse but all in that household. Children grow up with a perverted view of marriage, a warped view of love between a man and a woman, or a emotional scar that will follow them into their own relationships.

If marriage partners "die to self and live for Christ" marriage is truly made in Heaven. Secular marriage may be a thing of the past but a true Christian marriage is divine. With Christ in control of a marriage there are spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical benefits.  Love, acceptance, companionship, compassion, tenderness, caring, sharing, commitment, security, strength, passion, courage, peace, and trust are all attributes of a real Christian marriage.

Christian marriages are not perfect but they do have a perfect marriage counselor and guide in the Holy Spirit. All any marriage needs to survive is a direct relationship with their creator. With Christ all things are possible. The valley of death can be traveled, the pathway through shame and guilt can be traversed, and the normal ups and downs of family life can be navigated under Christ's control.

You do not need a Hollywood marriage, you need a Godly marriage. Deny self, the tabloids, culture, fairytale dreams and just live life with the partner God has given you (or will give you). There is such joy with living out your life with the one God has given. There is adventure and blessing around every corner of life and with every breath. Enjoy!

Daily Prayer Focus:  Praise God for your Marriage Partner!  Pray for God to draw you closer to Him and to one another.  Pray that together you will die to self and live for Christ.


On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go’s Performing Arts Team. Pray for our team as we minister through drama, puppets, interpretive dance, and music. Our Performing Arts Teams are made up of volunteers and On The Go staffers who travel around the USA to local churches and events sharing the Good News.

(1) http://entertainment.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/05/05/cameron-diaz-says-the-institution-of-marriage-is-dying/ May 5, 2011

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) 2011, 2012.  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 http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .

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Cut Backs and Catch Ups

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 14, 2012
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Cut Backs and Catch Ups by Keith Cook

"The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer." 1 Peter 4:7

All of the men and women who work with me at On The Go Ministries are supported by generous contributions from Christians who believe that God has called them to support the ministry of each individual staff member. Recently, some of our staff said that some of their supporters have cut back on the amount of money they are contributing because they do not know what is around the corner, and they want to protect their family and their investments.

Many of these supporters have said that they will increase their contributions again when the economic crisis is over. Unfortunately, in over 30 years of ministry, I have never had anyone retreat into a position of not doing God's will, and then catch up the missed support. There is always something that comes up to affect their involvement in ministry. Once money, fame, fear, peers, or family is allowed to affect a person's obedience to God's call on their life, they usually travel a long way down the road away from God.

God does not want us to have this kind of judgment; He wants us to have sound judgment. Jesus did not guard His "stuff"; He freely gave it away. He shared all that He had with anyone who came to Him for help in times of need. Do not harden your heart to the needs of those around you. Open up and dig out of your protective cover. Publicly carry on for Jesus.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for sound judgment as you seek to minister to the needs of others.

On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook’s Hands-On-Training Events. This is our Outreach Training School on the road. Keith and the On The Go Team share all across the USA and Worldwide in fun and creative ways that people can serve Jesus and make an impact in this generation!

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, 2012 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 http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .

After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.

A Tribute to My Mother

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 13, 2012
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

A Tribute to My Mother by Keith Cook Jr.

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8

Praise God for godly mothers! When I think of my mom, Joan Cook, I think of a woman who has such a heart for God and wants to honor Him in every way! My mother is certainly a vivid picture of the Proverbs 31 woman.

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:28-30

Throughout my life, my mother has sought to be a godly woman and tend to every need in our home. Often times she was up long into the night and early in the morning to make sure that my dad and I had all that we needed.

One attribute that I have always admired in my mother is that she follows the example of Christ and many of the prophets who sought after God with all their heart. Christ would arise early and seclude Himself from the crowd so that He could spend quality time with His Father. These times brought Him strength, hope, and encouragement. Throughout my life, my mother has set an example for my dad and I in that she begins each day in the Word and in prayer.

Before my mother does anything else, she seeks to spend time with the Lord. This has served to build discipline in my life to spend time with God as well. My mother is also a teacher. She often shares with us the truths and lessons that God reveals to her during her personal time with God. I look forward to these moments and have grown to cherish them.

I can remember as a young boy and now that I am older as I arise in the morning to begin my day, I always know exactly where my mom can be found. It is in the dining room on the sofa nested in God's Word. I know that my mother has spent hours praying for my dad and I. We will never know the full impact that these prayers have had, for we can see just a glimpse of what God is doing!

Thank you Mom for setting for me a godly example. I love you!

Personal Prayer Focus: Pray that God will allow you to set a godly example today for someone in your circle of influence.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The physical, spiritual, emotional, and financial needs of people hurting all over the United States and Worldwide. As God gives us opportunity in times of crisis we need to rapidly move to help.

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, 2012 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 http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .

After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.

My Mother

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 12, 2012
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

My Mother by Joan Cook

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." 1 Samuel 1:27, 28

I am the youngest of five children. I have a sister, Peggy; a brother, Larry; a brother, David; and a sister, Janis. My mom had her hands full! As I was growing up, my mother worked outside the home. She worked as a church secretary and then a head teller in a bank as she raised her five children. Then, she became a trooper for the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Yes, she carried a gun!

My mother was a strong woman. She's always had to be! You see, my father was an alcoholic and had another life apart from his family's on many occasions. But, my Mom was always there! She worked to keep food on the table, clothes on our backs, and a roof over our head. She worked hard to make sure her children had everything they needed.

I can't remember a year when she did not take us on a vacation. I grew up in South Mississippi, but every year she would take us to the beach in Destin, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, or Disney World in Orlando. She always managed to have fun with her children.

More than anything else, my mother instilled in me a love for Jesus Christ. She trusted in Him and taught us to do the same. She taught me that I had to put feet to my faith. She taught me that I could not stand by and ask God for something unless I was willing to do my part. She also taught me that the only way to true joy was to be in the center of God's will.

I have learned so much from my mother and I hope I have handed down some of her wisdom to my son. This Mother's Day, I want to say thank you to my mom! Thank you for always being there for me! Thank you for loving me and teaching me to love the Lord!

Personal Prayer Focus: Praise God for godly mothers who have made eternal investments in their children's lives.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go Publications & Media Team. We are striving to saturate and minister to a contemporary culture and society through modern media. This division includes our audio, video, internet, and written materials. Through these various ministries we reach out, train, and inspire Christians to action.

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, 2012 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 http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .

After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.

Seven

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 11, 2012
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Seven by Keith Cook

"and God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." Exodus 2:3

The number seven means complete, perfect, and whole. It is the sign that all is good. As Christians God wants each day to be exciting and fulfilling for us. In a spiritual way every day is to be "Perfect" in that Christ is to lead us and direct us in all we are to do.

Here are some perfect - whole - complete, things you can count on:

1. Love is perfect - True love is never jealous, boastful, proud, or wants it's own way over others.

2. Your Commitment to your family and friends is perfect - Being in a family is forever. You have a past and future together.

3. Knowing you have the power to meet each day In Christ is perfect - Your hope is not in riches or governments but in Christ.

4. Your potential to be Successful is perfect - God promised you that you will have "your portion" to do His will all of your days.

5. God's Love for you is perfect - Never forget that Jesus loves you no matter what you do.

6. Forgiveness is perfect - Do not let bitterness and anger rob you of your joy.

7. Faith and Trust in Christ is perfect - Place all your faith in Jesus to save you, lead you, and keep you. You will not be disappointed.

Love, commit, trust, hope, rely, and rest in Christ's perfect will for your life.

Personal Prayer Focus: Pray that you will walk in unity with Christ's perfect will.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's Neighborhood Outreach Program. In reality, very little is being done to reach people in many communities across the USA. On The Go is striving to train local Christians and help them develop programs that can systematically and permanently reach real needs in their neighborhoods.

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) 2005, 2012 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 http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .

After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.

Revival Happens First In The Church

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 10, 2012
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Revival Happens First In The Church by Keith Cook

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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." 2 Chronicles 7:14

True revival happens first in the church, then it reaches outside the walls to affect the community. If you are wanting the world to get better, make sure your church is getting better. If you are wanting your personal situation to get better, you must be doing all you can to make sure your local church is functioning in real revival. Revival happens in the church one member at a time. So in order for your church to have true revival it will require a personal revival to take place in your heart. They are depending on you!

The conditions for a God-Sent revival are as follows:

1. You Must Be God's. You must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You must belong to Him. You must admit that you are a sinner, believe in Jesus Christ as God's only Son and your Saviour, and call on God to actually save you.

2. You Must Humble Yourself. You must acknowledge your need to be more like Christ. You must be holy as He is holy. This will translate into righteous living and a transformed attitude. People will notice the life change in your life!

3. You Must Pray. You must take all your requests directly and initially to God. There's no sense in taking your request to family, politicians, friends, or anyone else before you have talked with your Creator about them. Take your needs to Jesus Christ and He will not only give you directions but He will also lead you and strengthen you as you follow His will.

4. You Must Seek His Face!  For real revival to happen you must talk to God as a friend. Return to your first love and fall in love with Him again. Seek His face again. Get to know God and hear His voice.

5. You Must Repent. If you want to experience real revival it will cost you dearly. You must turn from your sins and turn to do whatever God calls you to do. This will not be easy but it will be rewarding. Resting at the end of the day with total confidence in the path you have traveled and full assurance in the tasks before you will bring about peace and stability in your life.

If you practice these five steps, God will keep His promises!  He will forgive your sins, and He will heal your land. This is God's plan for revival for you and your church! Let Him hear you today. Let God forgive you right now. Receive His healing touch even now as you commit to walk in real revival by putting His plan for your life into practice. Humbly seek Him, turn to Him, and pray with Him! Revival will be on its way.

Personal Prayer Focus: Pray that God will send forth Revival, and that it will begin in you!

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's GoKids Clubs. The focus of GoKids Clubs is to present a clear Gospel message to young children in our festivals, missions, and local neighborhoods. Pray for On The Go as we minister to boys and girls and share with them the love of Jesus 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, 2012 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 http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .

After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.

Coconut Milk

On The Go Daily Devotion for May 9, 2012
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Coconut Milk by Laurie McTier

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15

On a mission outreach to Jamaica, our team had the opportunity to paint the outside of a local church. As the outreach team painted the church, scraped walls, trimmed doors and windows, several boys from the community came out to help. God allowed us to build key relationships with the boys as we worked together, exchanged stories, and shared with them about the love of Christ. One of the key leaders in the church had already informed us that she had been trying to get these boys in church for years, without success, and she was so excited to see them come out each day to help the team and spend time with us.

On the last day as we finished painting the church, the ladies in the church were preparing a Jamaica-style buffet for our team, complete with Jerk chicken, peas, and rice. The temperature was extremely hot, and the pastor asked the boys to climb a coconut tree and get the team some fresh coconuts. Personally, I do not particularly care for coconut milk myself, but on the field, when someone has climbed up the tree to the very top to pick it just for you, you are forced to oblige, and honestly, it was quite refreshing.

As we were finishing up on the paint job, we noticed that we needed some rope to finish off the project. Jason, one of the young boys, quickly volunteered to run to the market. He was so eager and had such a servant's heart.

After an hour or so had passed, we began to notice Jason had not returned. We began to get a little concerned. Just then, he came around the corner. He was limping, and you could tell he was in great pain. We immediately brought him into the church to assess what had happened. While Jason had gone on his errand, an elderly townsman had asked him to climb a coconut tree and get his family some coconuts. Now he had done this thousands of times before, but this time as he got to the top, he lost his grip and fell about 20 feet.

I asked our taxi driver to take him into town and gave him the money for the visit to the emergency room. We did not get to see him before we left, but on the following Sunday, a dear friend from the church called me on the phone. With excitement in her voice, Winsome shared with me that Jason had come to church that morning and that he surrendered his life to the Lord!

You see my friends, God often works in strange and mysterious ways. God used coconut milk, Jason's injury, and the love that our team shared with him to bring him to a personal relationship with the Lord! Always be ready to share the love of Christ with others.

Personal Prayer Focus: Pray for those who have physical needs. Pray that God will work in their midst and that through their need, they will come to know God.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The "On The Go Daily” 2 Minute Radio & Podcast Program. This is a daily program airing across the United States, and World via the internet and radio stations. “On The Go Daily” is used to encourage, challenge, and motivate Christians in their daily walk. Pray for Keith, Joan, the On The Go Staff, and special guests as they share on these 2 minute broadcasts. You can hear these programs via our website if it is not available in your area.

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, 2012 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 http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .

After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.