Answered Prayers by Keith Cook
"Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8
I found something unique while searching the internet the other day. Take a look:
"Answered Prayers (via the internet)
I asked for strength - and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for wisdom - and God gave me problems to learn to solve.
I asked for prosperity - and God gave me brain and brawn to work.
I asked for courage - and God gave me dangers to overcome.
I asked for love - and God gave me troubled people to help.
I asked for favours - and God gave me opportunities.
I Received nothing I wanted - I received everything I needed.
My prayers have been answered."
I was stuck by how true this often is. God knows our needs. Hears our prayers. Wants to bless and help us yet we often do not get what we think we need or have what we want to have out of life.
God is not Santa Claus with a big bag of toys for us - but He does have some wonderful gifts for each true believer to receive. These gifts are not necessarily the most culturally appreciated or noticed. God's most wonderful gift to us is in the area of peace and it comes every time we put all of our hopes, dreams, cares, and life into His omnipotent hands.
His will and answers to prayers are far greater than the cries from our lips or the pains that rise up out of our hearts. His answers are divine. His leadings are sure and secure. His provisions are eternal and just.
Thank God for answered prayers. He really does answer when we call. Sometimes we just forget He is the one in control!
May the love of Christ keep you in the center of God's answers to your prayers. Do not try to run from or avoid His unique replies to your requests. Trust Him and enjoy the blessings of obedience and the fellowship of relationship with God almighty.
Daily Prayer Focus: Praise God for answered prayers.
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.
On The Go Daily Devotion for APRIL 13, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2008, 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 .
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
The Progression of Desire
The Progression of Desire by Keith Cook
"What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel." James 4:1-2
Using God as an excuse for a fight is unwise. The Jewish Christians had frequent wars with the Romans. They were a very quarrelsome, divided people. They even fought amongst themselves. Why are there fights and conflicts? I believe the Word of God tells us it is due to our "worldly desires for pleasure".
That's not unlike the Christians of today, is it? Even in today's Christian marriages we even see ladies who are not content, so they nag their husbands to get what they want or men who buy big ticket items trying to fulfill discontentment.
Here is the progression of desire:
1. Want something
2. Begin to think about it.
3. Dominates our thoughts and we involuntarily think about it all the time.
4. Dream about it.
5. Begin to imagine having it no matter the cost.
6. Do whatever it takes to obtain it.
Some desires may be perfectly legitimate, ie. health, friendship, family, job, home. The problem comes when desires can't be obtained, then temptation comes and can lead us to sin! Then, we have been drawn away from God by our desires.
When we desire something that we cannot obtain, we can become discontent with what we have. Ruth Bell Graham wrote this prayer that could be yours today:
"Teach me contentment, Lord, whatever my lot, keeping my eyes on You in trust. Knowing your love is true, your way is just.
Teach discontentment, Lord, with what I am; daily striving, growing daily nearer, finding you are daily closer, dearer.
Contented, Lord, yet discontented make me, both together working, blending all in your glory ending."
On The Go Prayer Focus: Those who need to make decisions for Christ as On The Go and the Keith Cook Team shares the Gospel around the world. Pray that they will hear a clear message about Christ, that the Holy Spirit will move them to a point of decision and that they will be bold enough to publicly respond 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 APRIL 21, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2009, 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.
"What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel." James 4:1-2
Using God as an excuse for a fight is unwise. The Jewish Christians had frequent wars with the Romans. They were a very quarrelsome, divided people. They even fought amongst themselves. Why are there fights and conflicts? I believe the Word of God tells us it is due to our "worldly desires for pleasure".
That's not unlike the Christians of today, is it? Even in today's Christian marriages we even see ladies who are not content, so they nag their husbands to get what they want or men who buy big ticket items trying to fulfill discontentment.
Here is the progression of desire:
1. Want something
2. Begin to think about it.
3. Dominates our thoughts and we involuntarily think about it all the time.
4. Dream about it.
5. Begin to imagine having it no matter the cost.
6. Do whatever it takes to obtain it.
Some desires may be perfectly legitimate, ie. health, friendship, family, job, home. The problem comes when desires can't be obtained, then temptation comes and can lead us to sin! Then, we have been drawn away from God by our desires.
When we desire something that we cannot obtain, we can become discontent with what we have. Ruth Bell Graham wrote this prayer that could be yours today:
"Teach me contentment, Lord, whatever my lot, keeping my eyes on You in trust. Knowing your love is true, your way is just.
Teach discontentment, Lord, with what I am; daily striving, growing daily nearer, finding you are daily closer, dearer.
Contented, Lord, yet discontented make me, both together working, blending all in your glory ending."
On The Go Prayer Focus: Those who need to make decisions for Christ as On The Go and the Keith Cook Team shares the Gospel around the world. Pray that they will hear a clear message about Christ, that the Holy Spirit will move them to a point of decision and that they will be bold enough to publicly respond 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 APRIL 21, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2009, 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.
Pray For Individual Christians
Pray For Individual Christians by Keith Cook
"...I urge that entreaties and prayers and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all men..." 1 Timothy 2:1
God wants us to pray for fellow believers. When we neglect to remember others and their needs, we rob them of a tremendous blessing and ourselves of joining in their reward and personal ministries. We need to co-labor with others in prayer and encouragement.
What should we pray for other believers? Why not consider praying the following for all the saints in training that you know:
Pray for their Personal Holiness - Pray that they can always forgive, forget wrongs done to them, constantly reflect on the mercy of God, and rejoice in the forgiveness that they have received. Personal Holiness is enhanced by being a person of spiritual disciplines. Being a person of prayer, the Word, and reflection is very beneficial to one's personal growth in Christ.
Pray for their Personal Vision - Pray that they have divine wisdom, and supernatural courage to follow the Spirit's leading in their life and ministry. Each Christian has a call from God to join Him in service and compassion. Each is to follow the Lord's example of being blessed to be a blessing.
"I am sending you to them to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God" Acts 26:17,18
And also pray for their Personal Power - Power for service and commitment to doing God's will requires a daily emptying of self and filling of the Holy Spirit. It is God's power that the believer needs in order to do God's perfect will. Rely and trust in the Spirit for your strength.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for Christian Leaders, your Pastoral Staff, Missionaries and Evangelists, Christian Friends, and yourself for Personal Holiness, Vision, and Power.
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.
On The Go Daily Devotion for April 12, 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 .
"...I urge that entreaties and prayers and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all men..." 1 Timothy 2:1
God wants us to pray for fellow believers. When we neglect to remember others and their needs, we rob them of a tremendous blessing and ourselves of joining in their reward and personal ministries. We need to co-labor with others in prayer and encouragement.
What should we pray for other believers? Why not consider praying the following for all the saints in training that you know:
Pray for their Personal Holiness - Pray that they can always forgive, forget wrongs done to them, constantly reflect on the mercy of God, and rejoice in the forgiveness that they have received. Personal Holiness is enhanced by being a person of spiritual disciplines. Being a person of prayer, the Word, and reflection is very beneficial to one's personal growth in Christ.
Pray for their Personal Vision - Pray that they have divine wisdom, and supernatural courage to follow the Spirit's leading in their life and ministry. Each Christian has a call from God to join Him in service and compassion. Each is to follow the Lord's example of being blessed to be a blessing.
"I am sending you to them to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God" Acts 26:17,18
And also pray for their Personal Power - Power for service and commitment to doing God's will requires a daily emptying of self and filling of the Holy Spirit. It is God's power that the believer needs in order to do God's perfect will. Rely and trust in the Spirit for your strength.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for Christian Leaders, your Pastoral Staff, Missionaries and Evangelists, Christian Friends, and yourself for Personal Holiness, Vision, and Power.
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.
On The Go Daily Devotion for April 12, 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 .
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Finish What You Started
Finish What You Started by David Brandon
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6
It's easy for me to start something but difficult to see it through to the end. Today's verse has sustained me many times over the years. God has started a work in every Christian's life and He will finish what He started.
As Jesus hung on the cross He cried out, "It is finished." We're not to grow weary in well doing but to keep at the work and will of God for our lives. One day there will be rewards and whatever they may be, I look forward to laying them at the feet of Jesus. My desire to hear the words of Jesus, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
There are those around us who need good examples of someone who can start something good, but also see it through. You may be a Sunday School teacher, a Deacon, or a leader in your church. Stay at the good work Jesus started in you. No matter what you are going through, don't give up. Stay true to Him who never sleeps nor slumbers, He's always available, He will empower you, and equip you for the work He has begun in and through you.
Daily Prayer: Pray that God will enable you to finish well. Pray for discernment and sensitivity to areas in your life that you have started, but need to finish.
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.
On The Go Daily Devotion for April 11, 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.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6
It's easy for me to start something but difficult to see it through to the end. Today's verse has sustained me many times over the years. God has started a work in every Christian's life and He will finish what He started.
As Jesus hung on the cross He cried out, "It is finished." We're not to grow weary in well doing but to keep at the work and will of God for our lives. One day there will be rewards and whatever they may be, I look forward to laying them at the feet of Jesus. My desire to hear the words of Jesus, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
There are those around us who need good examples of someone who can start something good, but also see it through. You may be a Sunday School teacher, a Deacon, or a leader in your church. Stay at the good work Jesus started in you. No matter what you are going through, don't give up. Stay true to Him who never sleeps nor slumbers, He's always available, He will empower you, and equip you for the work He has begun in and through you.
Daily Prayer: Pray that God will enable you to finish well. Pray for discernment and sensitivity to areas in your life that you have started, but need to finish.
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.
On The Go Daily Devotion for April 11, 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.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
DARE TO SHARE
DARE TO SHARE by Keith Cook
"but the righteous are bold as a lion." Proverbs 28:1
You must be willing to Share the Love of Jesus with all you meet.
S - You must be SENSITIVE to the needs that are around you. When you are, you will have divine appointments from God.
H - Your HEART must be in the right place. Do you have a heart of love and compassion to help and reach the lost and needy?
A - You must be AVAILABLE to Christ to be used for service. By being available and adaptable to the needs of others, the Holy Spirit will use you to do great things for the Kingdom of God.
R - You must always RELY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT in every area of your life. When you are relying and trusting God you will be able to relax, defeat your fears, and really launch out into the deep waters of real ministry.
E - And finally, if you are going to really share with others, your ministry must have an EVANGELISTIC EXPRESSION. In other words you will share the Gospel and you will call for a decision for Christ. As you go for Christ you must be confident and humble. If you share the truths of Christ you will see the hand of God move. If you do your part God will always be there!
Dare to share your faith this week.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for a greater sensitivity to the needs of those around you. Pray for Divine Appointments and the opportunity to Share the Love of Christ.
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.
On The Go Daily Devotion for April 10, 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.
"but the righteous are bold as a lion." Proverbs 28:1
You must be willing to Share the Love of Jesus with all you meet.
S - You must be SENSITIVE to the needs that are around you. When you are, you will have divine appointments from God.
H - Your HEART must be in the right place. Do you have a heart of love and compassion to help and reach the lost and needy?
A - You must be AVAILABLE to Christ to be used for service. By being available and adaptable to the needs of others, the Holy Spirit will use you to do great things for the Kingdom of God.
R - You must always RELY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT in every area of your life. When you are relying and trusting God you will be able to relax, defeat your fears, and really launch out into the deep waters of real ministry.
E - And finally, if you are going to really share with others, your ministry must have an EVANGELISTIC EXPRESSION. In other words you will share the Gospel and you will call for a decision for Christ. As you go for Christ you must be confident and humble. If you share the truths of Christ you will see the hand of God move. If you do your part God will always be there!
Dare to share your faith this week.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for a greater sensitivity to the needs of those around you. Pray for Divine Appointments and the opportunity to Share the Love of Christ.
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.
On The Go Daily Devotion for April 10, 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.
The Progression of Desire
The Progression of Desire
"What is the source of quarrels & conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust & do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious & cannot obtain; so you fight & quarrel." James 4:1-2
Using God as an excuse for a fight is unwise. The Jewish Christians had frequent wars with the Romans. They were a very quarrelsome, divided people. They even fought amongst themselves. Why are there fights & conflicts? I believe the Word of God tells us it is due to our "worldly desires for pleasure".
That's not unlike the Christians of today, is it? Even in today's Christian marriages we even see ladies who are not content, so they nag their husbands to get what they want or men who buy big ticket items trying to fulfill discontentment.
Here is the progression of desire:
1. Want something
2. Begin to think about it.
3. Dominates our thoughts & we involuntarily think about it all the time.
4. Dream about it.
5. Begin to imagine having it no matter the cost.
6. Do whatever it takes to obtain it.
Some desires may be perfectly legitimate, ie. health, friendship, family, job, home. The problem comes when desires can't be obtained, then temptation comes and can lead us to sin! Then, we have been drawn away from God by our desires.
When we desire something that we cannot obtain, we can become discontent with what we have. Ruth Bell Graham wrote this prayer that could be yours today:
"Teach me contentment, Lord, whatever my lot, keeping my eyes on You in trust. Knowing your love is true, your way is just.
Teach discontentment, Lord, with what I am; daily striving, growing daily nearer, finding you are daily closer, dearer.
Contented, Lord, yet discontented make me, both together working, blending all in your glory ending."
On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's Adopt An Evangelist program. This program provides funding and support for various missions and evangelists around the world.
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 APRIL 9, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2009, 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.
"What is the source of quarrels & conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust & do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious & cannot obtain; so you fight & quarrel." James 4:1-2
Using God as an excuse for a fight is unwise. The Jewish Christians had frequent wars with the Romans. They were a very quarrelsome, divided people. They even fought amongst themselves. Why are there fights & conflicts? I believe the Word of God tells us it is due to our "worldly desires for pleasure".
That's not unlike the Christians of today, is it? Even in today's Christian marriages we even see ladies who are not content, so they nag their husbands to get what they want or men who buy big ticket items trying to fulfill discontentment.
Here is the progression of desire:
1. Want something
2. Begin to think about it.
3. Dominates our thoughts & we involuntarily think about it all the time.
4. Dream about it.
5. Begin to imagine having it no matter the cost.
6. Do whatever it takes to obtain it.
Some desires may be perfectly legitimate, ie. health, friendship, family, job, home. The problem comes when desires can't be obtained, then temptation comes and can lead us to sin! Then, we have been drawn away from God by our desires.
When we desire something that we cannot obtain, we can become discontent with what we have. Ruth Bell Graham wrote this prayer that could be yours today:
"Teach me contentment, Lord, whatever my lot, keeping my eyes on You in trust. Knowing your love is true, your way is just.
Teach discontentment, Lord, with what I am; daily striving, growing daily nearer, finding you are daily closer, dearer.
Contented, Lord, yet discontented make me, both together working, blending all in your glory ending."
On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's Adopt An Evangelist program. This program provides funding and support for various missions and evangelists around the world.
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 APRIL 9, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2009, 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
______________________________________________
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Monday, April 8, 2013
Sin's Progress
Sin's Progress by Keith Cook
"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:11
Sin is never neutral. Sin always effects others around you. Sin has a cause and effect; there is no way around it except not to sin. The only way to do that is to let Jesus Christ give you strength and protection.
The natural progression of sin is to See Sin, Desire Sin, Take Sin, and then to Give Sin.
See - Seeing sin is the mental and emotional level of noticing some- thing or an attitude as being pleasing to one of the senses. (Feel, smell, taste, see, hear, etc...) To look upon something is not wrong. To look upon it with interest or admiration with curiosity, this leads to the scale of sin's progression.
Desire - This is the level where sin is really germinated and hatched. After seeing sin, the interest and admiration for sin is sparked, and this can result in the desire for the object or action. Desire leads you to a sense that you want that certain object or action, you crave it, you must do something, or you must have it.
Take - Once someone moves from seeing sin to desiring sin, it is easy to move on to the taking part of sin. Sin has been allowed to master the individual. Sin has contaminated the soul, heart, and mind. It also will affect the body.
Give - Giving sin is actively passing on habits, traits, and opportunities for others to sin. It is like Eve getting Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. It is the father passing on anger and abuse to a child. It is a big brother passing down a bad habit to a sibling. It is a Christian passing on an excuse for not taking a stand to another believer who then justifies inactivity and passivity.
Do not let sin progress in your life. Stop the flow. Stop the downward spiral of sin in your life. Do not let sin get a foothold in your life.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will stop the downward spiral of sin in your life. Pray that God will enable you to flee from even the appearance of sin.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook, Joan Cook, the U.S.A. Staff, and On The Go Board of Directors, as they add leadership and direction for the ongoing ministries of the Keith Cook Team and On The Go.
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 April 8, 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.
"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:11
Sin is never neutral. Sin always effects others around you. Sin has a cause and effect; there is no way around it except not to sin. The only way to do that is to let Jesus Christ give you strength and protection.
The natural progression of sin is to See Sin, Desire Sin, Take Sin, and then to Give Sin.
See - Seeing sin is the mental and emotional level of noticing some- thing or an attitude as being pleasing to one of the senses. (Feel, smell, taste, see, hear, etc...) To look upon something is not wrong. To look upon it with interest or admiration with curiosity, this leads to the scale of sin's progression.
Desire - This is the level where sin is really germinated and hatched. After seeing sin, the interest and admiration for sin is sparked, and this can result in the desire for the object or action. Desire leads you to a sense that you want that certain object or action, you crave it, you must do something, or you must have it.
Take - Once someone moves from seeing sin to desiring sin, it is easy to move on to the taking part of sin. Sin has been allowed to master the individual. Sin has contaminated the soul, heart, and mind. It also will affect the body.
Give - Giving sin is actively passing on habits, traits, and opportunities for others to sin. It is like Eve getting Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. It is the father passing on anger and abuse to a child. It is a big brother passing down a bad habit to a sibling. It is a Christian passing on an excuse for not taking a stand to another believer who then justifies inactivity and passivity.
Do not let sin progress in your life. Stop the flow. Stop the downward spiral of sin in your life. Do not let sin get a foothold in your life.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will stop the downward spiral of sin in your life. Pray that God will enable you to flee from even the appearance of sin.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook, Joan Cook, the U.S.A. Staff, and On The Go Board of Directors, as they add leadership and direction for the ongoing ministries of the Keith Cook Team and On The Go.
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 April 8, 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.
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