Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Have A Full Heart part 2 of 4

Have A Full Heart part 2 of 4 by Keith Cook

Here are some Helps for Following Christ

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

You can grow as a Christian by doing the following things on a regular basis! While these four expressions of a Full Heart are vital they are not all God has for you to do. But they are a great foundation.

Yesterday we looked at the first expression of a full heart, Prayer. Today let us examine the second, Bible Study.

2. Bible Study - There are many ways study the word of God.

Some have daily devotions, where they take a few minutes each day to look at a passage from the Bible and be inspired by it. They often read a comment or insight from a famous or scholarly Christian that reflects the meaning of the passage. You are reading one of On The Go's daily devotions today. These devotions are not designed to take the place of real Bible Study.

Many people study the Bible by going to Bible Study classes. Some of these are at church and many others are in homes or fun settings. There are men's study groups, women's, youth, athletes, businessmen, and on and on. I used to hold Bible studies for Rodeo Cowboys. It was so much fun. They even talked me into having a Christian Rodeo. Only problem was we could not find a Christian bull! Bible study groups help you stay focused and keep you involved for a longer period of time because there is accountability.

In my opinion, the best way to study the Bible is to get a good study Bible and set aside a time when you can spend 30 minutes to an hour to just read and reflect on what you are reading. This is so important. I suggest you track your reading with a simple notebook where you keep up with the date, passages read, personal observations and notes. Keep your reading plan simple but dig deep as you actually study. Do not be afraid of asking questions to pastors and Bible teachers that are based on what you are reading and studying. A good Bible commentary is also helpful BUT never read the commentary first. Always let God speak to you first. Let Him direct you to what He is saying to you before you see what He has said to others.

Studying the Word of God provides:

a. Wisdom to live the Christian life. (James 1:5)
b. A standard that is solid and secure. (Isaiah 40:8)

Let me encourage you to study God's word. It will give you wisdom beyond your normal capacity. You will gain insights you cannot find anywhere else.

Tomorrow we will look at the next area of a full heart, Fellowship!

Daily Prayer Focus: Take time to read your Bible today. Take a few extra minutes to dig deep into the word of God. Pray that God will give you divine insights into His Word.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for December 9, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2002, 2014 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, December 8, 2014

Have A Full Heart part 1 of 4

Have A Full Heart part 1 of 4 by Keith Cook

News Event Flash:  We are currently making preparations for our Christmas Inner City Outreach on December 20, 2014. There is still a need for volunteers and individuals who will help to provide a very special Christmas for an individual or families. If you would like to make a monetary donation or gift card, please contact our office at 615-299-0222 or visit www.onthego.org and click on "On The Go Volunteer Registration-Sign Up". Thank you and may you have a Blessed Christmas season!

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

Here are some "Helps for Following Christ"

You can grow as a Christian by doing the following things on a regular basis! While these four expressions of a Full Heart are vital they are not all God has for you to do but they are a great foundation.

Today let's look at the first expression of a full heart.

1. It is prayer - Prayer is simply talking to God. 

In prayer you can tell God all your dreams, fears, hopes, and situations. He is eager and willing to listen. He already knows all you have faced and all that will come. He can handle your conversation. It will not be a surprise to Him.

In prayer you:

a. Confess your sins. Name them one by one. Get clean. Confess them. Get them out of your life.

b. Ask His blessings. Do not be ashamed to tell Him your heart's desire.

c. Praise Him and thank Him for His goodness. He is worthy of our praise. Talk with Him about how much you love Him and thank Him for all He does for you and mankind.

Tomorrow we will look at the next area of a full heart, Bible Study!

Daily Prayer Focus: Talk to God in prayer today. Take a few extra minutes and confess, ask, and praise Him.

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 Devotional for December 8, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2002, 2014 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.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Inner City Christmas

Inner City Christmas by Keith Cook

News Event: On The Go Annual Christmas Outreach and Festival will be held on December 20, 2014.

"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10

Each year my family, along with our entire team and nearly one hundred, collect Christmas presents for families in the inner city of Nashville. We actually pass out over 2,000 gifts. We do this with the help of churches, Sunday school classes, and individuals.

It is such a great joy to share in this way. We have been going out every Christmas for the last twenty years. From this ministry we have been able to launch out and start monthly ministries in the neighborhood. We have actually seen young people from the neighborhood minister with us on projects in other neighborhoods.

One month's project saw us pass out coats to the needy. These coats were collected by school children in Nashville and Memphis. One month we were able to pass out gloves. Every month is different. We pray door to door, hold home Bible studies, block parties, and GoKids clubs. It is so much fun.

We need your help with this year's Christmas outreach. We need monetary donationa or gift cards so that we can purchase gifts for every child in attendance. you may visit our website at www.onthego.org and click Donate Now then scroll down to Inner City Holiday Projects and fill your information. You may also send your donation to On The Go Ministries • P. O. Box 963 • Springfield, TN 37172. Would you consider helping us with this tremendous outreach to one of our local communities? Most homes will have a poor Christmas without our help.

Pray for God's direction this holiday season. There are so many needs all around each of us. If God should give you opportunity to help us we would appreciate your help. To volunteer, please visit our website at www.onthego.org, scroll down to On The Go Volunteer Registration-Signup and scroll down to Christmas Outreach Signup.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for those who do not have the blessings you have. Pray that God will give you opportunity to share with many this Christmas season.

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 Devotional for December 5, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2002, 2014 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.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Friendship Goals

Friendship Goals by Keith Cook

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

Today let your goal be to make some new friends for Christ's sake. In making friends and helping them come to Christ you may want to consider some things you may want to do. It is really quite simple.

You need to Stop - Stop what you are doing and take time to make a friend and actually try to see their personal needs.
   
You need to Look - Look for open doors to share your faith with them in a natural and relaxed way. Never force the issue of your faith.

You need to Listen - Listen to the Holy Spirit and listen to what you hear your new friend saying about their life, dreams, goals, and situations.

With these three things in mind you can make friends not just here but for eternity.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will allow you to make friends for Jesus today.

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 Devotional for December 4, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2002, 2014 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, December 3, 2014

Mom's Example

Mom's Example by Joan Cook

"Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee" Psalms 119:11

I love to memorize scripture! Unfortunately, I haven't memorized very much at all. Quite a few years ago, when my son, Keith Jr. was about eight years old, I remember trying to memorize Ephesians 6 where it talks about the armor of God. I would quote these verses over and over trying to remember them. During the week, Keith and I were at a camp speaking to young people, and during the invitation, I remember a teenage boy coming to the altar. As I moved forward to counsel with him, he told me of the difficulty he had been having saying no to peer pressure.

Before I could say a word, my eight year old son had slipped in the middle of our conversation and now had his hand on the teenager's back. He quickly said, "You have to put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. our struggle is not against flesh and blood." I was amazed! Keith Jr. had been listening to me and had learned the scripture by hearing me quote it over and over again.

Our children want to be like Mom and Dad. They listen to everything we say and watch everything we do. What kind of an example are you setting for your children? No matter if they are eight or eighteen...they are watching you!  As they watch you, point the way to Jesus so they can see their heavenly Father!

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that today you might be a godly example to your family, your peers, and everyone you encounter.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotional for December 3, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2014  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, December 2, 2014

How To Help Children Grow Up Healthy

How To Help Children Grow Up Healthy by Keith Cook

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

This is the exact formula of what youth and children need from adults!

If you are around teens and children you have a responsibility to serve as a mentor to them. You can be used by Jesus to help lead them as they grow up. Some of your leading and mentoring will be done by example and some by direct teachable moments.

These teachable moments come when God provides for them. They often sound like this: "Dad, why does...", "Mom, did you ever...", "Keith, does God really say that...is bad", "I have this friend who...".

Children and teens need the following:

1. Acceptance - They need to know that you accept them and think they are worth the effort.

2. Discipline - They need to know that you expect them to live by God's standard and your rules.

3. Independence - They need to know that you will allow them to be unique and that you trust them to God.

4. Love - They need to know that you love them even if you do not agree with them or they have done things that are wrong.

5. Expression - They need to know that you will let them share and join in the process of ministry.
   
When a teen or child expresses concerns or solutions to problems it is imperative to:

1. Listen to what they are saying. Really listen.

2. State what we think they are saying back to them. This will help especially in this day and age when youth give new meanings to common words.

3. Make sure you really value what they have said.

4. If you can, use what they have said to help in real situations and give them credit for helping solve them.

5. Say "thank you",  "I was wrong",  "You were right",  and "I am sorry" as often as possible.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that you can help those who are looking at you for wisdom and direction.

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 Devotional for December 2, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2004, 2014 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, December 1, 2014

How to Give Away Gospel Material

How to Give Away Gospel Material by Keith Cook

"That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee a man on the throne of Israel." 1 Kings 2:4

One very effective way of "going into all the world," is to use gospel tracts, booklets, Bible portions, and leaflets to present a clear message to individuals.

You have been shown an open door; walk out into a needy world and share. You can make a difference, one person at a time. It will be very exciting and very rewarding. You will meet interesting people with wild and challenging questions. This type of ministry will drive you to your knees and force you to search the scriptures yourself. Here are some important things to remember when distributing Gospel material.

1. Make sure the literature you are passing out is good, quality material that communicates your message. Some free literature is nothing but hate booklets and are very negative in nature. Be careful about what you pass out.

2. Do not force anyone to take the material.

3. Do not accept any money for the material.

4. Smile and say: "Would you like a free booklet?" "If you have a minute I have something free that I would like to give you." "When you have time would you mind looking over this free booklet?"

5. Don't be offended or upset if people refuse or throw the material away.

6. Remember to battle the Devil and not people! Pray, Pray, Pray.

7. Have fun and be happy. People like individuals who are not threatening and who do not scare them.

If you would like information on good Gospel materials that we recommend for giving away in the USA or in countries overseas please contact us at On The Go. God bless you as you share the Gospel.

Daily Prayer Focus: Actually pass out a Gospel booklet to someone today. Be bold. Do it today.

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 Devotional for December 1, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2014  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.