Gideon Bible by Keith Cook
"Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 8:10, 11
When I first became a Christian I knew nothing about the things of God. I had not been taught about the Bible or Jesus Christ. That is not to say I did not have respect for the church or the Bible, I just did not know very much about spiritual matters.
After being a Christian for only a few weeks I knew I had to get to know Jesus in a more powerful way. I noticed that all the people at church carried Bibles, so I decided to get a Bible and see what was in it.
I can still vividly remember riding my ten speed bike out into the country and sitting down with my little red Gideon New Testament and reading the Bible for the first time. It was such fun and exciting. As often as I could I would take my trek out into the country and sit on a beautiful hillside under a shade tree and read the Word.
The more I read about God the more I was sure I had made the right decision to surrender my life to Him and become a Christian. It was during one of my times alone with God that I began to see how sin robs us of our witness for Christ and hurts our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit used these early times in the Word to get me on track for Christ.
What about you? Have you a steady and sincere desire to get into God's Word and hear from Him? You can. His desire to meet with you and share with you His will is well documented in the Bible. You can get to know God without going to Bible School or Seminary. You can even understand the Bible without being very studious. You can start small and work your way up to more scholarly status. You can read the Bible through in one year if you simply read the Bible each day for only 15 minutes! Is getting to know God worth all the effort? Yes it is! Take it from me, I've had much more joy and excitement and peace because of my time with Jesus.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for time to be with God and see Him fresh and new in His Word.
On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's Performing Arts Team. Pray for our team as we minister through drama, puppets, interpretive dance, and music. Our Performing Arts Teams are made up of volunteers and On The Go staffers who travel around the USA to local churches and events sharing the Good News.
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 September 15, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2002, 2015 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, September 15, 2015
Monday, September 14, 2015
What is Your Role?
What is Your Role? By Laurie McTier
"And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." Luke 10:33-35
In today's devotion, we will dig in deeper into the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, the Levite and the priest saw an obstacle in their path and they crossed over to the other side of the road. They went on about their agendas. They didn't care about the injured and they didn't take time to find out his need. They didn't want to be involved. The Samaritan, though he was considered by many to be an outcast himself, saw the need, and ran to help.
The Samaritan was moved with compassion and went the extra mile. His service went way beyond the call of duty. He jumped down off of his donkey, bandaged up the injured, placed him on his donkey, and brought him to safety. But, he didn't stop there. He made extra provisions for the man. He was going to come back in a few days and take care of the rest of the expenses that were entailed. Truly his ministry was motivated by the love of God.
As I looked up the definition of mercy, I found that mercy means a) to ease distress or pain; b) to be compassionate, forgiving and kind especially towards one who has offended you. As I read this definition of mercy I immediately thought of the Good Samaritan. He ran to meet the needs of the injured. He took the challenge and took time out of his busy schedule, and made sure that every need was supplied.
When you see a need, what is your response? There can only be two responses to needs around you.
1. You can look the other way and not get involved.
2. You can actively run to the point of their need and reach out in love with compassion.
What challenge does God have for you today?
Who would God have you to minister to?
Daily Prayer Focus: Ask God to take the veil from your eyes and allow you to see the needs of those around you.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook's Hands-On-Training Events. This is our Outreach Training School on the road. Keith and the On The Go Team share all across the USA and Worldwide in fun and creative ways that people can serve Jesus and make an impact in this generation!
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for September 14, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2015 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.
"And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." Luke 10:33-35
In today's devotion, we will dig in deeper into the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, the Levite and the priest saw an obstacle in their path and they crossed over to the other side of the road. They went on about their agendas. They didn't care about the injured and they didn't take time to find out his need. They didn't want to be involved. The Samaritan, though he was considered by many to be an outcast himself, saw the need, and ran to help.
The Samaritan was moved with compassion and went the extra mile. His service went way beyond the call of duty. He jumped down off of his donkey, bandaged up the injured, placed him on his donkey, and brought him to safety. But, he didn't stop there. He made extra provisions for the man. He was going to come back in a few days and take care of the rest of the expenses that were entailed. Truly his ministry was motivated by the love of God.
As I looked up the definition of mercy, I found that mercy means a) to ease distress or pain; b) to be compassionate, forgiving and kind especially towards one who has offended you. As I read this definition of mercy I immediately thought of the Good Samaritan. He ran to meet the needs of the injured. He took the challenge and took time out of his busy schedule, and made sure that every need was supplied.
When you see a need, what is your response? There can only be two responses to needs around you.
1. You can look the other way and not get involved.
2. You can actively run to the point of their need and reach out in love with compassion.
What challenge does God have for you today?
Who would God have you to minister to?
Daily Prayer Focus: Ask God to take the veil from your eyes and allow you to see the needs of those around you.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook's Hands-On-Training Events. This is our Outreach Training School on the road. Keith and the On The Go Team share all across the USA and Worldwide in fun and creative ways that people can serve Jesus and make an impact in this generation!
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for September 14, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2015 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, September 8, 2015
Good and Evil
Good and Evil by Keith Cook
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20
Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, "Today there are once more saints and villains. Instead of the uniform grayness of the rainy day, we have the black storm cloud and the brilliant lightning flash. Outlines stand out with exaggerated sharpness."
As we are right in the middle of a rather somber and reflective time in the United States, I am reminded that we as Christians are in a great position to reinforce our message of love and absolute values. We must take a clear message of Christ out into the marketplace and into the public arena.
On talk shows, newspapers, emails, comments to friends and co-workers we must remain level headed and not allow the enemy to blur the lines between good and evil. Most North Americans have an easy time reverting back to a neutral, let everyone just get along mentality. Recently, I was at lunch with some good friends who basically said that we as Christians have no right to actively participate in our cultural debates. They thought we should let majority rule and quietly go along with the status quo.
One evening I decided to turn on the Fox Network news channel, which I normally watch and like the fairness of the coverage. This one particular evening, I began to hear Mr. O'Reilly spout off how narrow minded and backward thinking Christians are to believe the Bible as it relates to history and morals in American culture. He actually said we should let our God directed mandates against sexual practices slide in favor of being fair to children who need a home and have no where to go except to be adopted by two homosexual men. He implied we were not Christian because we would rather have a child in foster care than in a gay home.
Wow, and woe! My wife recently shared with me that she read a report that most Christian teens, 91%, do not believe in moral absolutes. That is why a Christian young person can be in church on Sunday and then be at a party smoking pot or drinking to get drunk on Saturday. That is why a seminary student can attend church and minister on weekends and at the same time have sexual relations with someone in his or her congregation. That is why teens can read the Bible everyday and go see movies promoting anti-Christian agendas. That is why a teenage girl can sing in the choir on Wednesday night and have a tattoo with her boyfriend's name on it put on her hip on Friday night.
We must do better at standing for what is right and representing a true picture of what God requires from a true believer in Christ. God has allowed most of the pagan, lost world to see evil face to face and they did not like what they saw. While Osama Ben Laden was not all the evil in the world, he was used by God to wake most of us up. God does not make people do evil. He did not desire that tragedy would strike all those innocent people who died on September 11, nor the thousands to lose their homes through the effects of recent natural disasters. Yet He did allow it. Why? He said in the Bible that there would always be evil in the world. He said there would always be the needy in the world. Why? Because there will always be sin in the world. There also will always be at least one true believer in the world who can correctly and properly demonstrate the love of God in any situation. Whether it be in a flood, famine, feast, or festival. We can be that one who can rise and really speak for God.
We must be a reflection of the real Christ with answers to real problems.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for the wisdom you will need this week to represent Christ to all your friends and for open doors to minister.
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 Devotions for September 8, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2002, 2015 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.
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20
Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, "Today there are once more saints and villains. Instead of the uniform grayness of the rainy day, we have the black storm cloud and the brilliant lightning flash. Outlines stand out with exaggerated sharpness."
As we are right in the middle of a rather somber and reflective time in the United States, I am reminded that we as Christians are in a great position to reinforce our message of love and absolute values. We must take a clear message of Christ out into the marketplace and into the public arena.
On talk shows, newspapers, emails, comments to friends and co-workers we must remain level headed and not allow the enemy to blur the lines between good and evil. Most North Americans have an easy time reverting back to a neutral, let everyone just get along mentality. Recently, I was at lunch with some good friends who basically said that we as Christians have no right to actively participate in our cultural debates. They thought we should let majority rule and quietly go along with the status quo.
One evening I decided to turn on the Fox Network news channel, which I normally watch and like the fairness of the coverage. This one particular evening, I began to hear Mr. O'Reilly spout off how narrow minded and backward thinking Christians are to believe the Bible as it relates to history and morals in American culture. He actually said we should let our God directed mandates against sexual practices slide in favor of being fair to children who need a home and have no where to go except to be adopted by two homosexual men. He implied we were not Christian because we would rather have a child in foster care than in a gay home.
Wow, and woe! My wife recently shared with me that she read a report that most Christian teens, 91%, do not believe in moral absolutes. That is why a Christian young person can be in church on Sunday and then be at a party smoking pot or drinking to get drunk on Saturday. That is why a seminary student can attend church and minister on weekends and at the same time have sexual relations with someone in his or her congregation. That is why teens can read the Bible everyday and go see movies promoting anti-Christian agendas. That is why a teenage girl can sing in the choir on Wednesday night and have a tattoo with her boyfriend's name on it put on her hip on Friday night.
We must do better at standing for what is right and representing a true picture of what God requires from a true believer in Christ. God has allowed most of the pagan, lost world to see evil face to face and they did not like what they saw. While Osama Ben Laden was not all the evil in the world, he was used by God to wake most of us up. God does not make people do evil. He did not desire that tragedy would strike all those innocent people who died on September 11, nor the thousands to lose their homes through the effects of recent natural disasters. Yet He did allow it. Why? He said in the Bible that there would always be evil in the world. He said there would always be the needy in the world. Why? Because there will always be sin in the world. There also will always be at least one true believer in the world who can correctly and properly demonstrate the love of God in any situation. Whether it be in a flood, famine, feast, or festival. We can be that one who can rise and really speak for God.
We must be a reflection of the real Christ with answers to real problems.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for the wisdom you will need this week to represent Christ to all your friends and for open doors to minister.
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 Devotions for September 8, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2002, 2015 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, September 7, 2015
Get Back To Work
Get Back To Work by Keith Cook
"Six days you shall do thy work..." Exodus 23:12
God often gives us tasks to do for Him that are nothing more than tests of our character or faith building exercises. God loves us and wants us to be happy, but He also wants us to grow up spiritually. He longs for us to eat the meat of His word and to desire to do great things for Him.
Today (Labor Day in the USA) will be with family and friends. We will swim in the swimming pool, and eat the best meals we have had in weeks. We will have fancy deserts with homemade ice cream. We will probably talk about every thing from politics to cars, and it will be a full day.
The time with my family and friends will be fun, but by the end of the day, I will be ready to get back to work. I long to be On The Go for Jesus. I get uneasy with too much rest and time off.
I think all Christians feel this way when they have been taking it easy and resting in the goodness of God and not actually working for Him. There comes a time when we know that we are now ready to go back to work. There are times when we need to sit down and soak up all the goodness of God but there always comes the time when the Master stands up and says, "Now it is time to go back to work!"
Why not work for Jesus this week. Take each day as a call and a challenge to do something for God. Jesus will use you. Jesus will guide you. Jesus will strengthen you. Just do the work He gives you.
Daily Prayer Focus: Thank God for a day to work for Him.
On The Go Prayer Focus: On The GoAudio Podcasts and Radio Ministries. Currently we are producing various programs which go over the internet and international airwaves. Pray that God will continue to bless the On The GoAudio Podcasts and that He will expand the listening base. Visit OnTheGo.org to hear past broadcasts.
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 September 7, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2004, 2015 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.
"Six days you shall do thy work..." Exodus 23:12
God often gives us tasks to do for Him that are nothing more than tests of our character or faith building exercises. God loves us and wants us to be happy, but He also wants us to grow up spiritually. He longs for us to eat the meat of His word and to desire to do great things for Him.
Today (Labor Day in the USA) will be with family and friends. We will swim in the swimming pool, and eat the best meals we have had in weeks. We will have fancy deserts with homemade ice cream. We will probably talk about every thing from politics to cars, and it will be a full day.
The time with my family and friends will be fun, but by the end of the day, I will be ready to get back to work. I long to be On The Go for Jesus. I get uneasy with too much rest and time off.
I think all Christians feel this way when they have been taking it easy and resting in the goodness of God and not actually working for Him. There comes a time when we know that we are now ready to go back to work. There are times when we need to sit down and soak up all the goodness of God but there always comes the time when the Master stands up and says, "Now it is time to go back to work!"
Why not work for Jesus this week. Take each day as a call and a challenge to do something for God. Jesus will use you. Jesus will guide you. Jesus will strengthen you. Just do the work He gives you.
Daily Prayer Focus: Thank God for a day to work for Him.
On The Go Prayer Focus: On The GoAudio Podcasts and Radio Ministries. Currently we are producing various programs which go over the internet and international airwaves. Pray that God will continue to bless the On The GoAudio Podcasts and that He will expand the listening base. Visit OnTheGo.org to hear past broadcasts.
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 September 7, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2004, 2015 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.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Habakkuk on Doing Evangelism Gods Way
Habakkuk on Doing Evangelism Gods Way by Keith Cook
"The LORD replied, "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." Habakkuk 1:5 (New Living Translation-NLT)
In the book of Habakkuk we find several wonderful insights into how to do ministry in any day and age. It is exciting that we can do evangelism God's way and it will always be the right way to minister.
Pray and ask God what He wants to do in the area of evangelism in your area or field of service. - "Record the vision."
Enlarge your team by enlisting like minded individuals who share your same burden or mission. "Make your vision plain"
Share your burden, need, ideas, dreams with all who will listen. "so all who see it can run with it."
Don't be embarrassed to start small or take baby steps in order to begin now.
Remind yourself often that you can not do everything that needs to be done. Strive to do what God has for you to do. Jesus told his followers that the needs would always be before them but doing the will of the father was doing right away what God called them to do.
Dream big and do not be afraid to tackle a God sized opportunity if God has actually called you to do it.
Trust God to do what only God can do - change lives, bless lives, mend lives, and save lives. "Though it tarry wait on it - it will come to pass"
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray and ask God what He wants to do in the area of evangelism in your area or field of service.
On The Go Prayer Focus: The Development Ministries of On The Go. This ministry team helps On The Go stay on the go! Many individuals want to make an investment in eternity through On The Go Ministries. Through their wills, trusts, monthly electronic funds transfers, donations of stocks, and planned giving they do just that. If you are interested in helping On The Go take the Gospel around the world through your giving and financial support please let them know. Visit OnTheGo.org for details.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotional for September 6, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2015 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 LORD replied, "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." Habakkuk 1:5 (New Living Translation-NLT)
In the book of Habakkuk we find several wonderful insights into how to do ministry in any day and age. It is exciting that we can do evangelism God's way and it will always be the right way to minister.
Pray and ask God what He wants to do in the area of evangelism in your area or field of service. - "Record the vision."
Enlarge your team by enlisting like minded individuals who share your same burden or mission. "Make your vision plain"
Share your burden, need, ideas, dreams with all who will listen. "so all who see it can run with it."
Don't be embarrassed to start small or take baby steps in order to begin now.
Remind yourself often that you can not do everything that needs to be done. Strive to do what God has for you to do. Jesus told his followers that the needs would always be before them but doing the will of the father was doing right away what God called them to do.
Dream big and do not be afraid to tackle a God sized opportunity if God has actually called you to do it.
Trust God to do what only God can do - change lives, bless lives, mend lives, and save lives. "Though it tarry wait on it - it will come to pass"
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray and ask God what He wants to do in the area of evangelism in your area or field of service.
On The Go Prayer Focus: The Development Ministries of On The Go. This ministry team helps On The Go stay on the go! Many individuals want to make an investment in eternity through On The Go Ministries. Through their wills, trusts, monthly electronic funds transfers, donations of stocks, and planned giving they do just that. If you are interested in helping On The Go take the Gospel around the world through your giving and financial support please let them know. Visit OnTheGo.org for details.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotional for September 6, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2015 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.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Is Evangelism Possible Today
Is Evangelism Possible Today by Keith Cook
I don't care about my own life. The most important thing is that I finish my work. I want to finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do-to tell people the Good News about God's grace. Acts 20:24 (New Century Version -NCV)
Editors Note: This devotion is longer than usual and comes from an article that Keith was asked to write for the Mission America Coalition on Proclamation Evangelism Today. Thanks for your support of On The Go Ministries, the Keith Cook Team, and Proclamation Evangelism.
Modern day proclamation evangelism and personal outreach methods are very effective and extremely creative. Every day someone dreams up a new way to share Jesus with someone else; a new iPhone app, a clever gospel booklet, an innovative and fresh way to draw teens to listen in mass at a soccer stadium. It is a very exciting time to be involved in and championing evangelism.
Yet many who are not actively involved in evangelism understand or appreciate the complexities of the ministry of proclamation or personal evangelism. The occasional abuses by some well meaning yet short sighted practitioner of evangelism have been magnified and demonized to try to put a damper on the fires of evangelism. But the fire still burns in the heart of every true believer to do the work of the evangelist. Even if they do not know how, or why, they still know they should, and if God was willing they could do whatever He wanted them to do in evangelism.
When you say the word evangelism today many people laugh at you, criticize you, or pity you. And when you say proclamation evangelism the scorn, pity, and head shaking is even more intense. But the ministry of proclamation evangelism has a very royal and strategic place in God's redemptive plan for man. Many well meaning believers, pastors, bloggers, and even educators are culturally piling on to bury the ministry of proclamation evangelism in our modern culture.
They say it is outdated, old fashioned, culturally insensitive, not effective, shallow, not worth the time - money - energy. They believe that the churches resources and energies could be better spent just loving on people and living right. Yet deep down, in any real servant leader of Christ, there is a spiritual discernment that just loving others and living right will not be enough to fulfill the great commission. In fact by just living right and loving people we will be in danger of not producing modern day disciples of Christ but will produce lazy Christians who lack wisdom and discernment, and are neglecting the real needs of others around them, running the risk of living well below God's will for their lives.
Often critics of proclamation evangelism are hiding behind fear, laziness, lack of knowledge, loss of first love, and the sin of disobedience to not do or help with proclamation evangelism. Let's face it, doing evangelism correctly takes work. It is easier to play church with believers than to actively confront the lost secular mindset. It is difficult to run headlong into political correctness, humanism, intellectualism, and tolerance every minute of every day. It is easier to sit around praising God, running from one Jesus party to the next. It is more "soulishly" exciting to do good works and feel good about oneself afterward. There is great pride in building up ones Biblical knowledge to know something that someone else does not know. But all the human, soulish, and possibly even at times, carnal, expressions of doing ministry do not proclaim Christ publicly.
But it is also sobering to be reminded that not everyone believes in Christ. It is even more sobering to realize that, contrary to public opinion, or a Gallop Poll, not believing in Jesus really does result in someone not going to Heaven. Saying that is not being bigoted, judgmental, using hate speech, or being mean spirited. It is being Biblical and it is the foundation of the Gospel message, and based on eternal truth. Wishing, voting, forgetting, avoiding, neglecting, hoping, or pretending does not make the reality go away.
As a proclamation evangelist and trainer of proclamation evangelists, I can honestly say that I know that evangelism is not done, nor should it be done, one particular way. Doing evangelism is not always effective using one particular method. There is a time and place for: One On One Evangelism, Local Church Evangelism, Event Evangelism, Personal Evangelism, Friendship Evangelism, Mass Evangelism, Proclamation Evangelism, Sports Evangelism, Music, Arts, Drama, Street, Door To Door, Prayer, Neighborhood, Inner City, Community wide, Social Evangelism, Acts Of Kindness - Season Of Service - GoCare - Compassion, Affinity Evangelism, Marketplace Evangelism, Social Media Evangelism, Literature Evangelism, Media Evangelism, Long Term Evangelism, Short Term Evangelism, Crisis Evangelism, Divine Appointment Evangelism, Targeted Evangelism (age, gender), and many more expressions or techniques to mention.
The key to doing effective proclamation evangelism today is:
1. Deciding to do proclamation evangelism as a part of a total ministry and outreach program
2. Constantly seeking the right way to proclaim the Good News (some old, some new methods)
3. Prayerfully asking God for the right time, place, and anointing to effectively share the Gospel
What You Could Do!
Demonstrate the right way to do every kind of evangelism you do.
Explain your reasons, motives, expectations, plans, and long term benefits and followup plans.
Practice and be prepared ahead of time.
Do not take anything for granted or assume anything.
Do not take the easy way out or skip any necessary elements in doing evangelism right.
Use proven methods, ministries, ministers, artists, athletes, materials.
Once you have earned the right to be heard - say something!
Whatever you say, make it worth hearing. Whatever you sing, make it worth listening to. Whatever you perform, make it worth watching.
Never take the cheap way out when it comes to safety, reputation, or effectiveness.
Never waste funds, resources, or opportunities.
Daily Prayer Focus: Proclamation Evangelism Across the Globe. Pray for Evangelists and their Families that God will continue to give them visions and dreams, strength, resources, protection, and boldness. Pray for the Lost that they see their URGENT Need for Jesus Christ.
On The Go Prayer Focus: 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 September 5, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2015 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.
I don't care about my own life. The most important thing is that I finish my work. I want to finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do-to tell people the Good News about God's grace. Acts 20:24 (New Century Version -NCV)
Editors Note: This devotion is longer than usual and comes from an article that Keith was asked to write for the Mission America Coalition on Proclamation Evangelism Today. Thanks for your support of On The Go Ministries, the Keith Cook Team, and Proclamation Evangelism.
Modern day proclamation evangelism and personal outreach methods are very effective and extremely creative. Every day someone dreams up a new way to share Jesus with someone else; a new iPhone app, a clever gospel booklet, an innovative and fresh way to draw teens to listen in mass at a soccer stadium. It is a very exciting time to be involved in and championing evangelism.
Yet many who are not actively involved in evangelism understand or appreciate the complexities of the ministry of proclamation or personal evangelism. The occasional abuses by some well meaning yet short sighted practitioner of evangelism have been magnified and demonized to try to put a damper on the fires of evangelism. But the fire still burns in the heart of every true believer to do the work of the evangelist. Even if they do not know how, or why, they still know they should, and if God was willing they could do whatever He wanted them to do in evangelism.
When you say the word evangelism today many people laugh at you, criticize you, or pity you. And when you say proclamation evangelism the scorn, pity, and head shaking is even more intense. But the ministry of proclamation evangelism has a very royal and strategic place in God's redemptive plan for man. Many well meaning believers, pastors, bloggers, and even educators are culturally piling on to bury the ministry of proclamation evangelism in our modern culture.
They say it is outdated, old fashioned, culturally insensitive, not effective, shallow, not worth the time - money - energy. They believe that the churches resources and energies could be better spent just loving on people and living right. Yet deep down, in any real servant leader of Christ, there is a spiritual discernment that just loving others and living right will not be enough to fulfill the great commission. In fact by just living right and loving people we will be in danger of not producing modern day disciples of Christ but will produce lazy Christians who lack wisdom and discernment, and are neglecting the real needs of others around them, running the risk of living well below God's will for their lives.
Often critics of proclamation evangelism are hiding behind fear, laziness, lack of knowledge, loss of first love, and the sin of disobedience to not do or help with proclamation evangelism. Let's face it, doing evangelism correctly takes work. It is easier to play church with believers than to actively confront the lost secular mindset. It is difficult to run headlong into political correctness, humanism, intellectualism, and tolerance every minute of every day. It is easier to sit around praising God, running from one Jesus party to the next. It is more "soulishly" exciting to do good works and feel good about oneself afterward. There is great pride in building up ones Biblical knowledge to know something that someone else does not know. But all the human, soulish, and possibly even at times, carnal, expressions of doing ministry do not proclaim Christ publicly.
But it is also sobering to be reminded that not everyone believes in Christ. It is even more sobering to realize that, contrary to public opinion, or a Gallop Poll, not believing in Jesus really does result in someone not going to Heaven. Saying that is not being bigoted, judgmental, using hate speech, or being mean spirited. It is being Biblical and it is the foundation of the Gospel message, and based on eternal truth. Wishing, voting, forgetting, avoiding, neglecting, hoping, or pretending does not make the reality go away.
As a proclamation evangelist and trainer of proclamation evangelists, I can honestly say that I know that evangelism is not done, nor should it be done, one particular way. Doing evangelism is not always effective using one particular method. There is a time and place for: One On One Evangelism, Local Church Evangelism, Event Evangelism, Personal Evangelism, Friendship Evangelism, Mass Evangelism, Proclamation Evangelism, Sports Evangelism, Music, Arts, Drama, Street, Door To Door, Prayer, Neighborhood, Inner City, Community wide, Social Evangelism, Acts Of Kindness - Season Of Service - GoCare - Compassion, Affinity Evangelism, Marketplace Evangelism, Social Media Evangelism, Literature Evangelism, Media Evangelism, Long Term Evangelism, Short Term Evangelism, Crisis Evangelism, Divine Appointment Evangelism, Targeted Evangelism (age, gender), and many more expressions or techniques to mention.
The key to doing effective proclamation evangelism today is:
1. Deciding to do proclamation evangelism as a part of a total ministry and outreach program
2. Constantly seeking the right way to proclaim the Good News (some old, some new methods)
3. Prayerfully asking God for the right time, place, and anointing to effectively share the Gospel
What You Could Do!
Demonstrate the right way to do every kind of evangelism you do.
Explain your reasons, motives, expectations, plans, and long term benefits and followup plans.
Practice and be prepared ahead of time.
Do not take anything for granted or assume anything.
Do not take the easy way out or skip any necessary elements in doing evangelism right.
Use proven methods, ministries, ministers, artists, athletes, materials.
Once you have earned the right to be heard - say something!
Whatever you say, make it worth hearing. Whatever you sing, make it worth listening to. Whatever you perform, make it worth watching.
Never take the cheap way out when it comes to safety, reputation, or effectiveness.
Never waste funds, resources, or opportunities.
Daily Prayer Focus: Proclamation Evangelism Across the Globe. Pray for Evangelists and their Families that God will continue to give them visions and dreams, strength, resources, protection, and boldness. Pray for the Lost that they see their URGENT Need for Jesus Christ.
On The Go Prayer Focus: 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 September 5, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2015 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, September 4, 2015
The Art Of Evangelism
The Art Of Evangelism by Keith Cook
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1
"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. " 2 Timothy 4:5
There is an art to evangelism. Just like there are different levels of appreciation for artistic masters so are there different levels of appreciation for evangelism.
Some people just do not get evangelism. If you were to survey a good cross section of Christians about their views of evangelism you would get as many views and opinions as you would by asking them their views of a certain politician. They may think evangelism is outdated, simplistic, out of touch, culturally irrelevant, offensive or counter productive.
Others see evangelism as being anything and everything a Christian does. For them anything goes. Under the guise of evangelism they will try every method, every tool, every form of evangelism. Nothing is off limits nor is anything judged too critically because it is "evangelism" or "They did this at XYZ Church and it worked so we have got to try it."
More see evangelism as a command, task, rule, job, or obligation that must be done. So come what may they will do whatever is required or expected of them to do evangelism. They may not like the methods or value the results yet they will do it because "our pastor is into evangelism."
In reality, evangelism, can and is, almost all of the observations mentioned. It can be offensive and an obligation at the same time. In some situations proclamation evangelism and even personal evangelism can appear to be culturally irrelevant. At times evangelistic expression is overly focused on being sensitive to heart felt needs and at times appear to not be concerned at all.
The real heart of the matter is threefold:
1. Not focusing on evangelism but on the need to convey Christ to someone. (The Art Critic)
2. Preparing the one doing the evangelism (The artist) by observations, prayer, desire, love, ideas, insights, discussions, and the Bible.
3. Properly painting the subject of the masterpiece (Jesus Christ). How we communicate or express Jesus Christ so that others can really see and experience a unique aspect of Him is what we truly can call evangelism.
There really is an art to evangelism. Are you an artist? Yes you are! Go paint a picture of Christ today.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that today, others will see a unique aspect of Christ at work in you! Pray for Divine Appointments as Jesus Christ - the Masterpiece- is at work in your midst.
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 September 4, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2015 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.
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1
"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. " 2 Timothy 4:5
There is an art to evangelism. Just like there are different levels of appreciation for artistic masters so are there different levels of appreciation for evangelism.
Some people just do not get evangelism. If you were to survey a good cross section of Christians about their views of evangelism you would get as many views and opinions as you would by asking them their views of a certain politician. They may think evangelism is outdated, simplistic, out of touch, culturally irrelevant, offensive or counter productive.
Others see evangelism as being anything and everything a Christian does. For them anything goes. Under the guise of evangelism they will try every method, every tool, every form of evangelism. Nothing is off limits nor is anything judged too critically because it is "evangelism" or "They did this at XYZ Church and it worked so we have got to try it."
More see evangelism as a command, task, rule, job, or obligation that must be done. So come what may they will do whatever is required or expected of them to do evangelism. They may not like the methods or value the results yet they will do it because "our pastor is into evangelism."
In reality, evangelism, can and is, almost all of the observations mentioned. It can be offensive and an obligation at the same time. In some situations proclamation evangelism and even personal evangelism can appear to be culturally irrelevant. At times evangelistic expression is overly focused on being sensitive to heart felt needs and at times appear to not be concerned at all.
The real heart of the matter is threefold:
1. Not focusing on evangelism but on the need to convey Christ to someone. (The Art Critic)
2. Preparing the one doing the evangelism (The artist) by observations, prayer, desire, love, ideas, insights, discussions, and the Bible.
3. Properly painting the subject of the masterpiece (Jesus Christ). How we communicate or express Jesus Christ so that others can really see and experience a unique aspect of Him is what we truly can call evangelism.
There really is an art to evangelism. Are you an artist? Yes you are! Go paint a picture of Christ today.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that today, others will see a unique aspect of Christ at work in you! Pray for Divine Appointments as Jesus Christ - the Masterpiece- is at work in your midst.
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 September 4, 2015
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2015 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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