Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Let Jesus Speak

Let Jesus Speak by Keith Cook

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'" Luke 15:4-6

Jesus came down to earth to offer hope and peace to mankind. People need to hear what Jesus has to say.

People today need a sense of worth.

If we allow Jesus to speak to this need, people all around us will come to realize that God sent His only Son because He valued them. Jesus died to pay the ransom for all. Jesus suffered and died for their sins. He endured the cross for them. God made man above the angels. We are special to Him. Man and woman were given the responsibility to rule and have power over the animals. Jesus taught that God not only sees the masses, but He will leave the masses to go after the one lost sheep, coin, or life in order rescue and deliver it.

People today need freedom of choice.

If Jesus were allowed to speak to this issue, then all would realize that God loves all of us so much that He has given each man and woman the right and responsibility to choose to live for Him or to reject Him. Regardless of what your family has or has not done, that can not hurt your chance of life with Him. Status, caste, position, education, wealth, power, strength, popularity, skill, handicap, none of these can hinder your chance with God or help your place in His favor. You are not a robot. You can make your own decisions to follow or neglect Christ.

You also are not some amoeba that is preconditioned to be less than what God wants you to be. You are not an accident. Your relatives did not evolve out of the ocean, and because of this, you are not just on a evolutionary migration through life without purpose or control. Your choices and decisions have results. There are penalties and rewards, yes, but you are free to follow the path God has for you, or you can follow another route.

People today need to deal with their sin and guilt. When it is all over, or when people think their lives are about to end, they often are filled with guilt, fear, and regrets. If Jesus were allowed to speak He would share with everyone about the love and forgiveness of God. He can remove the load of sins that is holding them back. He can take away their pain, sorrow, and fear, and He will replace them with love, joy, forgiveness, comfort, and peace.

The best thing people today can do is to let Jesus speak to their needs. In Him they can find real hope.

Listen as He speaks.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for boldness to share your faith today with someone who does not know Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit will begin convicting their hearts of personal sin and that they will sense their need for a Savior.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The Development Ministries of On The Go. This ministry team helps On The Go stay on the go! Many individuals want to make an investment in eternity through On The Go Ministries. Through their wills, trusts, monthly electronic funds transfers, donations of stocks, and planned giving they do just that. If you are interested in helping On The Go take the Gospel around the world through your giving and financial support please let them know. Visit OnTheGo.org for details.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for March 6, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2013 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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
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.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Last Days Goals

Last Days Goals by Keith Cook

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ, I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death," Philippians 3:8,10

With all the social and political turmoil going on and with all the scriptural warnings and prophecies apparently being fulfilled, I have been taking a more serious look at what I need to be about in these unique days. Personally I have woken up to the lateness of the hour and realized afresh and anew the call of my God to work more diligently for Him.

I have set the following three goals for the rest of my life on earth:

1) To know, love, and glorify God in my body

2) To be used of Him to raise up qualified laborers in significant number as fast as possible to help fulfill the great commission

3) To personally be a part of winning people to Jesus Christ by each and every way possible

It is a wonderful thing to actually know God and experience His presence each and every day. Walking with Him is such a joy. Walking with Him is such a responsibility.

It is also a wonderful privilege to serve Jesus Christ. To be one of His foot-solders has awesome possibilities and guarantees great adventures and tasks.

What is your personal goal for the rest of your life? Why not check in with Jesus today and find out what He thinks is important for you to be focusing on.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray greater sense of Urgency and Boldness to share the Good News.

On The Go Prayer Focus: Joan Cook's "Women On The Go" Ministries. Joan's "Women On The Go" programs are implemented at women's conferences, local churches, retreats, and separate stand-alone events. God has given her a burden to minister to and encourage women in their walk with the Lord. Pray for Joan as she ministers and shares from her heart and as she presents motivational, evangelistic programs, materials, and leadership to and for women that will challenge and motivate them to a deeper walk with the Lord.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for March 5, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2013 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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
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.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Burn The Ships

Burn The Ships by Keith Cook

"Proclaim the message; be persistent, whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience...As for you, always be sober, endure suffering. Do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully." II Timothy 4:2, 5

In the early 1500's Spanish explorer Cortez sailed to North America and landed in Mexico. His crew was tired, battered, and beaten. There had been talk about going back home. There was even a small mutiny that had been dealt with. Their spirits were low. Cortez had to do something to set the pace and gain an advantage in order to launch out into a new and challenging world.

Cortez ordered all the ships in the fleet to be burned and destroyed, Except One! He then called all his crew together and there on the shores offered a challenge to press on to fulfill the task before them.

With their ships burning at their backs he offered this challenge and explanation. "I have burned our ships so there is no going back. We are here to complete our task yet I have saved one ship that is sailing back to the comfort and pleasure of our homeland. Choose you this day to carry on the charge we have been given by our queen and our country, or take the last and only ship away from this land of opportunity, duty, and honor."

These men faced a burning dilemma, just as you face many burning dilemmas in your daily personal life.

Their leader was burning with passion for their mission. Did they share his all consuming passion for the task? If not, they should run and flee the task before them. Today, do you share our Lord's passion for the job he has left with you? Are you on fire with the zeal of God to do His Kingdom work?

These men forever would live under the reflection of the ships burning behind them. The memory of the day they made a resolute decision to do their task with no turning back would forever be seared in their minds. They would never look back. They could face what was before them because they had no demons trailing them from behind. Have you made the all important decision to burn all the bridges that you have built up in your life to escape into your culture, your rest, and pleasure? Take charge of your spiritual state and destroy the last bastion of power that the Devil has over you. Abandon your total will to the Lordship and Direction of your Captain, Jesus Christ. No looking back. Only look forward to the challenge ahead.

Seared into their memories forever were the joys and comforts of past victories. They could simply retire to a life of ease and reflection at home because they had already had many grand journeys and won many small skirmishes. Was it time for retreat? Was it time for ease and retirement from the seas? In your memory should be a time when you first experienced the joy of the Lord. You have seen victories in many areas of your life, but is that all God has for you? Is it time to retire? Is it time to slip on back home?

That day not one sailor ran from the shores to the comfort of the one departing way out. They all abandoned retreat, stopped looking at the burning ships, and one by one marched on to do the task before them.

Today Christ charges you to burn all the ships that are calling you to abandon his call on your life. He is challenging you to walk away from the easy way out of serving God. Today is your day to spiritually let the ships burn and let the ship of comfort and the easy way out sail away from your midst. Begin your new journey of faith in Christ today.

Daily Prayer Focus:  Pray for strength, boldness, and courage as you set out to burn the ships behind you, and press on with full zeal to do His Kingdom Work!

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for March 4, 2013
Brought to you each day byOn The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2005, 2013 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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
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 bles

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Darkness Into Light

Darkness Into Light by Laurie McTier

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:" 1 Peter 2:9

This year we will have our GoTeams and Keith Cook Events Teams ministering in Pakistan, Nigeria, Europe, Jamaica,  and throughout the United States. As our GoTeams prepare for their tasks, we are praying that God's Spirit will begin preparing the hearts of those to whom we will have the opportunity to minister to. It is our prayer that as we faithfully plant the seeds and preach the word, many nationals will come out of darkness of sin and come into the light of Jesus Christ. 

God has chosen each of us as His Children to be an Ambassador for Jesus Christ. To be a true ambassador, we must choose to represent our King faithfully with wholehearted conviction and belief that He is the Son of God, and has a specific plan for every individual's life. He has a plan of hope, of love, and of salvation. As ambassadors, we should strive for peace for all men that they might come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to pay the ultimate penalty for our sins so that we could have eternal life. God has called us, He has chosen us to stand in the gap and show forth His love.

Many individuals in the world today are drowning in the darkness of fear, discouragement, hopelessness, and depression. As Christians, it is our responsibility to stand as watchmen and serve as ambassadors for Christ. Even today, God will give you opportunities to intervene and show forth "His-story" in your life. God has given each of us a testimony, a history of what He has done in our lives. Don't rob God of a blessing. Take "His-story" and share the truth. As your share "His-story" with others, God will bless them with truths from His Word and replace their fear, discouragement, hopelessness, and depression with peace, encouragement, hope, and joy that can only come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Daily Prayer Focus:  Pray for an opportunity to share "His-Story" with someone today. Pray for boldness, wisdom, and discernment as you seek to be an Ambassador for Jesus Christ.

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) 2005, 2013 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
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.

What I Wouldn't Give

What I Wouldn't Give by Keith Cook and Steve Chapman

"Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth." Malachi 2:15

Recently my good friend Steve Chapman wrote a heart searching song about Faithfulness in Marriage. Each time I listen to the words, tears stream down my cheeks as the lyrics dance on my mind. The ballad tells the story of a man looking at another woman and thinking about what he would not give in order to be with her.

"So What I wouldn't give for her, let me say it again...

My wife,
Her smile,
Our memories,
The miles,
Our children,
Their trust,
And everything that God has given us!
That's what I wouldn't give - for her!"

As you travel life's highway, there are many temptations that you will face. Temptations of pride, sex, finances, fame, position, etc...The Devil knows just where you are weakest and most vulnerable.

When I was a younger man it seemed that every crusade ended with various temptations awaiting the team and myself around every corner. Our staff had to set high standards for each other. We never traveled alone or met alone with someone of the opposite sex. We never took up offerings ourselves. We tried to set a moral track to run on and keep us on course.

Now that I am older the temptations have changed. I thought that it would be easier as I grew older to identify and not be tempted by the dangers of the world. Instead, the temptations are even greater. What we watch, listen to, read, entertain, sing, and focus on can ensnare us. Any hobby, idle task, or activity can become the Devil's workshop.

What I wouldn't give for sin let me say it again...

My loving wife, faithful son, loyal team, wonderful friends, great God!

With the Holy Spirit's help, and by walking in the revealed will of God for my every action, I know I can win! So can you. Look around at the built-in security nets the Lord has given you. Instead of feeling the pressure of living by God's laws, rest in confidence that God is protecting you and providing you with the way out of all the snares of the Devil.

Daily Prayer Focus: Today, Claim Victory over the Devil's snares. Pray that you will walk faithfully and remain true to the Lord, and all that He has entrusted to you.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for March 2, 2013   
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2005, 2013 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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
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.

The Vehicle of Faith

The Vehicle of Faith by James Earle, Sr.

FAITH is the vehicle by which positive thoughts are put into action.

DOUBT is the vehicle by which negative thoughts are put into action.

A sincere faith will cause good things to happen. Does that mean that if I have strong faith I can move mountains? No probably not. Few people's faith is that strong.  However, it does mean that you can cause good things to happen to the limit of your faith. And the wise man will allow his faith to grow.

Today, lets look at some key verses about faith.

" Jesus looked her in the eye. "Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" John 11:40

"Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you."  Habakkuk 1:5

"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."  James 1:6

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." Proverbs 3: 5,6

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."  Psalms 37:5

"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him."  Psalms 37:7

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9,10

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Daily Prayer Focus:  Pray that God will increase your faith and dependence in Him.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion For March 1, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2013 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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
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.

Burn The Ships

Burn The Ships by Keith Cook

"Proclaim the message; be persistent, whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience...As for you, always be sober, endure suffering. Do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully." II Timothy 4:2 & 5

In the early 1500's Spanish explorer Cortez sailed to North America and landed in Mexico. His crew was tired, battered, and beaten. There had been talk about going back home. There was even a small mutiny that had been dealt with. Their spirits were low. Cortez had to do something to set the pace and gain an advantage in order to launch out into a new and challenging world.

Cortez ordered all the ships in the fleet to be burned and destroyed, Except One! He then called all his crew together and there on the shores offered a challenge to press on to fulfill the task before them.

With their ships burning at their backs he offered this challenge and explanation. "I have burned our ships so there is no going back. We are here to complete our task yet I have saved one ship that is sailing back to the comfort and pleasure of our homeland. Choose you this day to carry on the charge we have been given by our queen and our country, or take the last and only ship away from this land of opportunity, duty, and honor."

These men faced a burning dilemma, just as you face many burning dilemmas in your daily personal life.

Their leader was burning with passion for their mission. Did they share his all consuming passion for the task? If not, they should run and flee the task before them. Today, do you share our Lord's passion for the job he has left with you? Are you on fire with the zeal of God to do His Kingdom work?

These men forever would live under the reflection of the ships burning behind them. The memory of the day they made a resolute decision to do their task with no turning back would forever be seared in their minds. They would never look back. They could face what was before them because they had no demons trailing them from behind. Have you made the all important decision to burn all the bridges that you have built up in your life to escape into your culture, your rest, and pleasure? Take charge of your spiritual state and destroy the last bastion of power that the Devil has over you. Abandon your total will to the Lordship and Direction of your Captain, Jesus Christ. No looking back. Only look forward to the challenge ahead.

Seared into their memories forever were the joys and comforts of past victories. They could simply retire to a life of ease and reflection at home because they had already had many grand journeys and won many small skirmishes. Was it time for retreat? Was it time for ease and retirement from the seas? In your memory should be a time when you first experienced the joy of the Lord. You have seen victories in many areas of your life, but is that all God has for you? Is it time to retire? Is it time to slip on back home?

That day not one sailor ran from the shores to the comfort of the one departing way out. They all abandoned retreat, stopped looking at the burning ships, and one by one marched on to do the task before them.

Today Christ charges you to burn all the ships that are calling you to abandon his call on your life. He is challenging you to walk away from the easy way out of serving God. Today is your day to spiritually let the ships burn and let the ship of comfort and the easy way out sail away from your midst. Begin your new journey of faith in Christ today.

Daily Prayer Focus:  Pray for strength, boldness, and courage as you set out to burn the ships behind you, and press on with full zeal to do His Kingdom Work!

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for March 4, 2013
Brought to you each day byOn The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2005, 2013 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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
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.