Friday, December 19, 2014

The Party

The Party by Joan Cook

1 Kings 1:8-10, 26, 32

When King David was very old in age, his son Adonijah decided he would proclaim himself to be King. In order to make this happen, he had to have the help of many influential people in David's kingdom that had been loyal to him. However, Adonijah was not following the Lord, but acted upon his own desire.

Adonijah decided he would throw a huge party and invite everyone who was anyone to this event and they would declare him king. But, he failed to invite the four most dedicated and Godly men of the time knowing they would not go along with his plan, since it was not of God.

Adonijah and his guests were eating and having a great time of celebration, until word came that King David had declared Solomon King! Those who were faithful and loyal to King David were recognized and placed in even greater areas of leadership and authority under Solomon's reign. God blessed them because of their faithfulness!

This time of the year is a time to celebrate! Like Adonijah, many people are celebrating for the wrong reasons. They might be having a grand party with many guests, but are putting themselves in compromising situations and possibly making unwise decisions that are affecting their lives and their witness. Maybe you have not been invited and are feeling a bit down because you feel left out!  But what a great honor to know that you are left out and not invited to a party because the host knows you won't go along with the things that will be happening or because your Godly influence is not wanted at the party! That should make you feel GREAT!

As Christians, we are called to walk not according to what the world thinks, but like Christ! Be encouraged if you have not been invited to a party this season that everyone is attending, yet you know will not please the Lord. How much more should we want the favor of God on our lives than the acceptance of man! He will bless you as you follow Him!

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that you can walk for Jesus everyday. Abandon the world and embrace the Lord's path for your life.

On The Go Prayer Focus: This Saturday, December 20, as part of our GoCare division, we will be distributing toys, Christmas gifts, and much more to those in need in Inner City Nashville. Pray for this outreach event that God will continue to provide the necessary items to make this a success, and many volunteers to help reach out to those in need.

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 19, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2005, 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 18, 2014

The Mighty Men

The Mighty Men by Joan Cook

"These be the names of the mighty men whom David had:" 2 Samuel 23:8

Several years ago, I underwent a surgical procedure. I had a lot of time to rest and meditate.  The Lord led me to read 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. Here are some thoughts I'd like to share with you.

I began reading about King David and his mighty men. David established good council in those around him and he placed strong men in leadership positions of his household, army, and his kingdom. These men who would go to battle and destroy David's enemies, against all odds, were called "mighty men". They were valiant warriors who fought for good! These warriors killed lions with their bare hands, destroyed 800 men at one time, fought off entire armies by themselves. (Of course, they hand the hand of God behind them.)

In looking at these mighty men, I have realized just how important it is for us as Christians to be mighty men of God. Sometimes it is hard to stand and be mighty when we feel feeble and weary. But we have to remember that we have all the power we need behind us. God has provided the resources and the armor as we go into battle, and the plan we need to implement. All we have to do is be obedient. The Lord has called us all, as Christians, to be mighty men and women of God. Don't let the enemy fool you into thinking you are a weak, unimportant part of the body of Christ. With Christ behind, beside, and in front of us, we can become valiant, mighty warriors.

Just as the mighty men of David trained their bodies for battle, so must we train ourselves today! We cannot click our heels and snap our fingers and instantly become strong. There are things we have to do:

1) Read your Bible - to grow in Christ, we have to learn of Him and His ways.

2) Pray - spend time talking to the Lord and listening to Him as He talks to you.

3) Study the word - Get a commentary and begin to study the scriptures

4) Go to Church - Surround yourself with strong Christians who will encourage you

5) Share Jesus with others - begin to share what Christ has done and is doing in your life with those who come in contact with.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray and ask God to help you become a mighty warrior for Him. If you do your part, He has promised to do His!

On The Go Prayer Focus: The 30 Minute Radio & Podcast Program "On The Go with Keith Cook". This is a weekly program airing over the internet, short wave, and radio stations. Each week Keith relates creative ways to share Christ. Pray for Keith, Joan, the On The Go Staff, and special guests as they minister on these 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 Devotional for December 18, 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.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Is God Directing You To Do More

Is God Directing You To Do More by Keith Cook and Laurie McTier

Is God calling you to do more for the kingdom of God? You have been blessed by your local church. You have been taught the Word of God with power by wonderful teachers. You have been inspired by tremendous testimonies, yet you consistently sit by and miss blessing after blessing by not getting involved with ministry that matters.

Here at On The Go, we are currently receiving applications for our upcoming GoTeam Projects. We have many openings for young people and adults who want to make an impact in another individual's life by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are ministries all around the globe who have needs for individuals who can take up the cause of Christ also.

God wants each of us to carry out the Great Commission. Projects throughout the United States, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Canada all need Spirit filled and God sent volunteers.

While our schedule is updated each week with exciting and new opportunities for service yours can be too. God wants you to get in a proactive mode and adopt a ministry mindset. 

We would like to invite you to consider being a part of one of our GoTeam Projects. You may think, "I'm only one person, what difference can I make in someone's life?" Each team member plays a vital and necessary role. Each year God strategically places young people and adults who want to be used by God to share the love of Christ and lead others to a personal relationship with Him.

As we minister it is our goal to be a blessing, but truly we are blessed even more as we see the hand of God working in the lives and hearts of people around the world.

It has been a great joy in our lives to watch as the Gospel is shared through drama, song, puppets, and preaching the Word of God. As we scan the crowd, it is amazing to see the expressions on the faces of individuals as they realize that Jesus died for them, He loves them, and wants to be a part of their lives.

One young man in Africa ran through the market and stopped traffic, just so he could talk with our team. His words still ring loud and clear. "Today when I came to the market, I was lonely, hopeless, and very discouraged. As I stopped to listen to your drama and message, I became convicted that Jesus is the only way. Now, I have hope and a future. I know the love of Jesus, and today I am going home to my family and friends and I am going to tell all of them about the love of Christ and how He can change their life."

Now is a great time to decide to be On The Go for Jesus. With the holidays coming soon you will have ample time to share your desire and solicit prayer and support from friends and family. If you start now it will be easier to finance and get time off to go.

For more information on how you can be involved on one of our GoTeam Projects, call On The Go Ministries at 615-299-0222 or email us at info@onthego.org . We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Daily Payer Focus: Pray for workers to go out and work for Jesus on our short term GoTeam Projects. We still need hundreds of volunteers. Some are needed for one day events and some for several days.

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 December 17, 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 16, 2014

Christmas Times A Comin'

Christmas Times A Comin' by Keith Cook

"For the grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee..." Isaiah 38:18

The holidays are a time of joy for many and dread for some. Some people actually dislike holidays because they remind them of failures and problems in their lives. Because of having to connect with inlaws and family for holidays there is great pressure on husbands and wives. There are explosions of divorce, separations, remarriages, and added pressure on the children in today's society. When you add the occasional tragedies that hit us all, as well as unreal gift expectations, the holidays can be very traumatic to many households.

What can we do as Christians to help?

1. Pray for wisdom for your own plans and activities.

2. Pray for others who are going through problems or have been hit with hard times during the past few years.

3. Watch for danger signs in individual's lives. Things like sad expressions, depression, crying, worry, frantic behavior, avoiding responsibilities, excessive spending, moodiness, and anger.

4. Be available to visit, talk, share, go out with, or even just shop with those in need.

5. Take time to take care of your shopping, travel plans, family arrangements, and needs as early as possible so you can be available to relax and have fun during the holidays.

With these five things in mind you can be well prepared to celebrate because, "Christmas Times A Comin'!"

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for those going through tough times. Ask God to give you insight to make the holidays fun and rewarding for all.

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. Our next Neighborhood Outreach Program is this coming Saturday, December 20, 2014.  We will be hosting our Annual Inner City Christmas Festival. For more information, please email info@onthego.org.

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 16, 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 15, 2014

Ten More Days

Ten More Days by Keith Cook

"I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." Psalms 40:8

There are ten more days till Christmas. Only ten more days to shop for that perfect gift for those you love. With so much time there are many who will still wait till the last minute to get their gifts.

Some of the reasons people wait till the last minute to get that special gift:

1. They are afraid if they get a gift early they will see a more perfect gift later and will not be able to get it.

2. They do not have any idea what to get and keep hoping that they will see the perfect gift before they simply get an adequate gift that is not really what the person would want.

3. They cannot afford the gift they really want to get so they put off shopping until the last minute hoping to find a way to get it.

4. The present they want to get is not available. They are sold out. In demand. Hard to find. They are hoping to find it somewhere.

5. They are too busy to go out shopping. They will get something soon.

6. They are not into getting gifts for others and will simply get what is available at the last minute if they decide to get someone something or if someone gets them something.

7. They keep putting it off till later because other things keep getting in the way. They have good intentions but the time keeps getting away from them.

In many ways there are many who put off looking into their spiritual lives the same way many avoid Christmas shopping.

1. They are afraid of giving in to God's will for their lives because there is so much time to do what God wants them to do. They want to live a little first. Then they will do it.

2. They are fearful that what they are thinking God is leading them to do is not what He really wants for them.

3. They think what God is asking them to do they cannot afford to do. It will cost them too much.

4. They keep looking for God's will but cannot understand what He is asking them to do. They simply miss Him because they want to understand the end result before they go on the journey of faith.

5. They are too busy with their own plans and dreams. They neglect Jesus and His call on their lives.

6. They do not think that God speaks to people today. They simply must do their best, be good, and not get caught doing anything bad. They will do something if they have to, but not now.

7. Many people want to follow Christ but they keep putting it off. They want to do His will but they are so busy and their lives are so cluttered they keep missing Him.

There are only ten days left till Christmas. Go shopping now and avoid the rush. Give in to having fun this Christmas.

The call of God and the perfect plan He has for your life is for an appointed time. Take that time. Do not put off following Christ. Do not neglect His will. It will be a great present to present to your Lord. Give Him the real gift He wants this Christmas, you doing His will!

Daily Prayer Focus: Courage to do God's will.

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.  Pray for the On The Go Christmas Festival in Nashville this morning as we reach out with the Gospel 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 December 15, 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 11, 2014

Have A Full Heart part 4 of 4

Have A Full Heart part 4 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!

Here are some final thoughts on "Helps for Following Christ."

"The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe." John 1:7

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.

We have looked at the first three expression of a Full Heart: Prayer, Bible Study, and Fellowship. Today let us examine the final, Sharing Your Faith.

4. Sharing Your Faith - This is simply telling others what Jesus has done for you!

Sharing one's faith requires:

a. Trusting the Holy Spirit for Boldness.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:8

b. Being ready and prepared to share.

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

c. Looking for God-given opportunities.

"And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

d. Living a life that is consistent with the message you're sharing.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1,2

The good news is what Jesus has done for you and what He wants to do for the one you are sharing with. Share your faith in Christ so others can come to know Him.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for an opportunity to share your faith with someone today. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.

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

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

On The Go Daily Devotion for December 11, 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
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________

Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .

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

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Have A Full Heart part 3 of 4

Have A Full Heart part 3 of 4 by Keith Cook

Here are some "Helps for Following Christ".

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25

This week we have been studying How to Have A Full Heart". 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.

We have looked at the first two expressions of a full heart, Prayer and Bible Study. Today let us examine the third, Fellowship.

3. Fellowship at a Local Church - When you become a Christian you also become a part of the "Body of Christ," which is called "the Church".

Faithfulness to a local church helps you:

a. Develop your spiritual gifts.

"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 13:4-8

b. Worship and Praise the Lord. 

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24

c. Learn what the Bible really teaches.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Ephesians 4:11-16

d. Be encouraged and helped by other believers.

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:24,25

Deciding to be faithful to a local church takes real commitment. In today's world of instant everything and "What is in it for me" philosophy, it is hard to see a church as an institution that actually needs you. But the local church does need you.

Do not neglect being with God's people on a regular basis. Many people get in trouble in life because they have no authorities in their lives and they have do not have a system of checks and balances. A local church, pastor, or prayer partner can help you make a real impact with your life and help you stay the course in representing Christ to the nations.

Yes there are many hypocrites at many churches but there are also many saints, Godly people who love God and are trying to follow His leading. Forgive those who have wronged you and go back to church. God will bless you as you bless Him in praise, worship, giving, sharing, and in growing at a local church.

Tomorrow we will look at the final area of a full heart, Sharing Your Faith!

Daily Prayer Focus: Take time to fellowship with another believer in Christ today. Take a few extra minutes to talk with, pray with, or study with another Christian. Why not call and encourage a Christian minister today. Let them know how much they mean to you, and pray for them specifically.

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 December 10, 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.