9-11-01 by Keith Cook
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." Psalm 9:9,10
The date says it all. The act is beyond description. The pain is unspeakable. The memory non-eraseable.
What can we do to honor the memory of those who died? What lesson can we learn that will give us hope and courage for the future?
Honor
There are so many vivid pictures in most of our minds of those who gave their lives for total strangers.
Pictures of those who risked their lives and helped rescue the troubled.
I will never forget President Bush comforting the families of those who lost lives and boldly stating we were at war with terrorism. It touched my heart when he stood up at Ground Zero and comforted the firemen who were digging up the remains of friends and co-workers.
Nor will I soon forget the Chaplain who rushed into the horrible Twin Towers area to help. He did not know he was rushing into eternity.
It has been said that in this tragedy America was actually in it's finest hour.
The brave young father and husband who said, "let's roll" did not know he would bring tears of pride and commitment to millions who heard of his heroic efforts at saving hundreds of lives in Washington.
The firefighters who knew they were rushing into almost certain death had no way of knowing that overnight they would be heroes to millions of boys and girls all over America.
Billy Graham had no idea that he would be presenting Christ to the whole world and reaching the largest audience of his entire life as he comforted our nation the day after the terrorist attack. He was the world's pastor at that moment in time.
To the thousands of people who rushed in to help with more financial support than has ever been raised in the history of philanthropy they did so not knowing that their small donations would really help as much as it did.
To the millions of people who stayed up to pray and who often wept without knowing why.
To all these you are my heroes!
Lessons
1. God cares for every person. We may feel His love and care more when there is great stress and tremendous need, but He has always been there. We just did not notice.
2. God will use anyone who listens to Him as an instrument of His love and care.
3. The Devil and those who are led by evil will try to destroy anything good and godly.
4. By working together we can accomplish so much more than by ourselves.
5. We all really do need each other.
6. While it is great to be tolerant, it is also quite obvious who speaks with love and who really speaks for peace and equality. Christians!
7. We must be bold and take a stand for what is right, moral, just, and holy.
If we do not take our stand as Christians we will be destroyed by humanism, secularism, greed, radical religions, and selfishness. We cannot sit idly by and let the press, the media, liberal politicians, or other cultures dictate our lives. God has a standard and a plan for each of us. We must follow it daily.
When and if terror again strikes near to home, or even in any of our lives, we will have the courage and faith to continue. Hope is in Christ. Faith is in God's plan for us. This life, while fantastic, is only temporary. God will see us through.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for America, Pray for our individual and personal fight against terror. Pray for all those who lost loved ones around the world because of evil men and evil plans. Pray for justice and an end to terrorism.
On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's Neighborhood Outreach Program. In reality, very little is being done to reach people in many communities across the USA. On The Go is striving to train local Christians and help them develop programs that can systematically and permanently reach real needs in their neighborhoods.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for September 11, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2002, 2016 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 11, 2016
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Has Our Nation Sinned?
Has Our Nation Sinned? by Keith Cook
In Lamentations chapter one, verse eight it states that Jerusalem sinned greatly. Jerusalem had sinned greatly, just like our nation has sinned greatly. There are a lot of things in our country that I'm proud of, and there's a lot of things I just know the Lord looks down on and cries over.
Let us look at some good:
Praise God for the compassion of most people.
Praise God for the strong military.
Praise God for the numerous athletic and social outlets we have in America.
Praise God for the hundreds of volunteers that help the needy all over the world.
Praise God for the churches in America.
Now some of the shames:
God forgive us for the pornography that is rampant not just in shady little movie houses, but that has moved into our homes through the internet.
God forgive us for the entertainment industry's focus on sex, violence and greed.
God forgive us for drugs, alcohol, gambling and prostitution in America.
God forgive us for the abuse and neglect of children.
God forgive us for the battered wives and divorce epidemic in our land.
God forgive us for our cultural and social morals that have helped confuse young boys and men into homosexual lifestyles and our girls and women into lesbian relationships.
God forgive us for teachers and scholars who promote godless and humanistic theories of living and indoctrinate our youth.
God forgive us for the hundreds of years of cultural prejudice against the Chinese, Hispanic, African and European immigrants.
The Bible not only says that Jerusalem sinned greatly, but in verse nine, it says that "Her uncleanliness was in her skirts, she did not consider her future. Therefore, she has fallen astonishingly. She has no Comforter. See O Lord my affliction, for the enemy has magnified itself. Precious things have been overthrown. The nations have entered her sanctuary."
The Bible says, "Is it nothing to all you who pass this way? Look and see if there is any pain like my pain" In looking at the future I don't think the Lord wants us to look at the future with pain, I think that He wants us to look at the future with gain. He wants us to look and see what He has for us in the Word of God.
God wants us to repent of past sins and look to our future with Him. America, God wants you to repent, return to God, and share His love to those around the world. We have a future because we stand for what is right. Now let us not just stand for right but actually do right.
Daily prayer focus: Ask God to give you the courage to be a godly citizen of your country and to be an ambassador for Heaven this week.
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 Devotional for September 10, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2002, 2016 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 Lamentations chapter one, verse eight it states that Jerusalem sinned greatly. Jerusalem had sinned greatly, just like our nation has sinned greatly. There are a lot of things in our country that I'm proud of, and there's a lot of things I just know the Lord looks down on and cries over.
Let us look at some good:
Praise God for the compassion of most people.
Praise God for the strong military.
Praise God for the numerous athletic and social outlets we have in America.
Praise God for the hundreds of volunteers that help the needy all over the world.
Praise God for the churches in America.
Now some of the shames:
God forgive us for the pornography that is rampant not just in shady little movie houses, but that has moved into our homes through the internet.
God forgive us for the entertainment industry's focus on sex, violence and greed.
God forgive us for drugs, alcohol, gambling and prostitution in America.
God forgive us for the abuse and neglect of children.
God forgive us for the battered wives and divorce epidemic in our land.
God forgive us for our cultural and social morals that have helped confuse young boys and men into homosexual lifestyles and our girls and women into lesbian relationships.
God forgive us for teachers and scholars who promote godless and humanistic theories of living and indoctrinate our youth.
God forgive us for the hundreds of years of cultural prejudice against the Chinese, Hispanic, African and European immigrants.
The Bible not only says that Jerusalem sinned greatly, but in verse nine, it says that "Her uncleanliness was in her skirts, she did not consider her future. Therefore, she has fallen astonishingly. She has no Comforter. See O Lord my affliction, for the enemy has magnified itself. Precious things have been overthrown. The nations have entered her sanctuary."
The Bible says, "Is it nothing to all you who pass this way? Look and see if there is any pain like my pain" In looking at the future I don't think the Lord wants us to look at the future with pain, I think that He wants us to look at the future with gain. He wants us to look and see what He has for us in the Word of God.
God wants us to repent of past sins and look to our future with Him. America, God wants you to repent, return to God, and share His love to those around the world. We have a future because we stand for what is right. Now let us not just stand for right but actually do right.
Daily prayer focus: Ask God to give you the courage to be a godly citizen of your country and to be an ambassador for Heaven this week.
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 Devotional for September 10, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2002, 2016 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 9, 2016
Take A Faith Break
Take A Faith Break by Keith Cook
We are hard-pressed on all sides, but never in despair. We are persecuted, but are never deserted; we may be knocked down but we are never knocked out! Everyday we experience something of the death of Jesus, so that we may also show the power of the life of Jesus in these bodies of ours. Yes, we who are living are always being exposed to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be plainly seen in our mortal lives. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (Phillips)
As with most people, my life is often full of stress and activity. Many days I find myself coming and going and not even remembering what has just happened. Life comes at us hard and fast. Yet each day is given to us by God to celebrate to its fullest.
Not to long ago I decided I needed to spend some time with no agenda. No computer to type at, no book to read, no pen and paper to jot down an idea, just relaxing, refocusing, without the weight of the whole world salvation on my mind.
So I went for a walk. On my stroll I saw many wonderful creatures; squirrels, birds, bugs, spiders, dogs, and cats. It was great fun. Upon returning back to my house I sat down and just listened. It was amazing what I heard. I heard the sounds of nature, dogs barking, birds singing, leaves rustling. It was so peaceful and relaxing.
In your faith walk is it time to take some time without any structure or plan. Take a simple faith break. Mix up your spiritual routine. Try reading a different version of the Bible, try another time or spot for your devotions, possible listening to a new minister on audio.
What are some things you can do to relax and refocus on your faith walk:
1. De-clutter your faith walk. There are some things in your life that need to be gone. Bad habits, bad people, bad thoughts and actions. Get these things gone. Do not let these pollute your time.
2. Tidy up your spiritual life. Finish reading all the Christian books left unfinished - catch up on your reading through the Bible plan.
3. Make a Christian To-Do list. Make a simple list of two to five things you really want God to help you work on in your Christian life. Possibly begin to have a real devotional time, start reading through the Bible, signing up for and attending a Bible Study class, increasing your faith promise giving to missions, or sharing your faith with one person each day.
4. Relax and let God work. Living by faith is really living by faith. It requires only God and you. Nothing else. With your total abandonment to Christ you have the potential to see God work in so many wonderful ways.
Now is the perfect time to take a Faith Break and see what good God can do in your life.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will enable you today to relax and refocus on Him and truly live by faith.
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 August 9, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2007, 2016 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.
We are hard-pressed on all sides, but never in despair. We are persecuted, but are never deserted; we may be knocked down but we are never knocked out! Everyday we experience something of the death of Jesus, so that we may also show the power of the life of Jesus in these bodies of ours. Yes, we who are living are always being exposed to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be plainly seen in our mortal lives. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (Phillips)
As with most people, my life is often full of stress and activity. Many days I find myself coming and going and not even remembering what has just happened. Life comes at us hard and fast. Yet each day is given to us by God to celebrate to its fullest.
Not to long ago I decided I needed to spend some time with no agenda. No computer to type at, no book to read, no pen and paper to jot down an idea, just relaxing, refocusing, without the weight of the whole world salvation on my mind.
So I went for a walk. On my stroll I saw many wonderful creatures; squirrels, birds, bugs, spiders, dogs, and cats. It was great fun. Upon returning back to my house I sat down and just listened. It was amazing what I heard. I heard the sounds of nature, dogs barking, birds singing, leaves rustling. It was so peaceful and relaxing.
In your faith walk is it time to take some time without any structure or plan. Take a simple faith break. Mix up your spiritual routine. Try reading a different version of the Bible, try another time or spot for your devotions, possible listening to a new minister on audio.
What are some things you can do to relax and refocus on your faith walk:
1. De-clutter your faith walk. There are some things in your life that need to be gone. Bad habits, bad people, bad thoughts and actions. Get these things gone. Do not let these pollute your time.
2. Tidy up your spiritual life. Finish reading all the Christian books left unfinished - catch up on your reading through the Bible plan.
3. Make a Christian To-Do list. Make a simple list of two to five things you really want God to help you work on in your Christian life. Possibly begin to have a real devotional time, start reading through the Bible, signing up for and attending a Bible Study class, increasing your faith promise giving to missions, or sharing your faith with one person each day.
4. Relax and let God work. Living by faith is really living by faith. It requires only God and you. Nothing else. With your total abandonment to Christ you have the potential to see God work in so many wonderful ways.
Now is the perfect time to take a Faith Break and see what good God can do in your life.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will enable you today to relax and refocus on Him and truly live by faith.
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 August 9, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2007, 2016 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, September 7, 2016
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: 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, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2016 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: 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, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2016 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 6, 2016
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: 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, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2016 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: 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, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2016 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 5, 2016
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: 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, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2004, 2016 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: 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, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2004, 2016 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 4, 2016
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, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2016 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, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2012, 2016 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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