On The Go Daily with Keith Cook

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

The Ritz

The Ritz - Keith Cook

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Recently, God blessed my family with a great opportunity to stay at the Ritz Carlton in Jamaica. While on a mission project the manager there wanted to bless us with a great deal because my wife had been ministering on the island for so long. We quickly accepted their offer. (We actually stayed there cheaper than what the local Christian camp would charge us!) This place is a dream hotel. I have never stayed in a more luxurious place.

When we work in a country or in a neighborhood we totally submerge ourselves in the work. We do not think of our comfort. We often eat our food out of the can that it came in and some of our meals come out of our backpacks if they come at all. It is not very glamorous. The work is hot, long, tiring, and demanding, yet very rewarding.

On this particular project in Jamaica it was such a blessing to be able to share each day and be completely worn out with ministry fatigue and then come back to a "home" that was clean, cool, peaceful.

It sort of reminded me of what the angels must experience when they work on the earth and then get to go back to Heaven. Can you imagine being in the presence of God? How majestic, how absolutely wonderful it must be hard to leave His presence and actually go on His errands.

Each of us have been called to come close to God and have fellowship with Him but we also are called to go out for Him and do His will among the people. As we go for Christ we are assured that as we get tired and weary we can come back home to Him and renew our strength.

1. What has God asked you to do for Him lately?

2. Have you done it?

3. When was the last time you had a "Ritz" experience with God? (A time of rest and reflection in the middle of working for Him.)

There may be those on earth who dress better or eat better, but those who enjoy the peace of God sleep better. L. Thomas Holdcroft, Page 183, Thoughts, McLellan

Daily Prayer Focus: Thank God that He delights in blessing you with "Ritz" experiences throughout your journey of life.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go Ministry Supporters. It takes teamwork to make the dream work! Our ministry supporters have made commitments to play a vital part of our team through praying, sharing, caring, going, and growing.

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

On The Go Daily Devotion for July 20, 2021

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

Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org

E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org

Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org

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Thursday, July 15, 2021

The Cardinal Rules

The Cardinal Rules by Keith Cook

"But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul." Joshua 22:5

Each morning before I go to work I take a glance out into my back yard to see how my wild birds are doing. They really are not my wild birds nor are they all that wild. They are free and not controlled by me yet they are not ferocious or wild in a terrible sense.

They are exciting in an animal kingdom kind of way but also calm and harmless in my domestic neighborhood. Every day I see them eat, drink, fly, sing and call, build nest, fight off predators, and explore the neighborhood skies. Each bird and species is quite unique and special to me. Yet, there is one kind of bird that makes my heart dance. It is the Northern Cardinal. It has a majestic pointed head, long powerful wings and tail along with a bright read coat. They are usually full bodied and sit tall on the ground or in the trees.

I love looking at the Robins, Mockingbirds, Bluejays, Morning Doves, Finches, and the other winged creatures that visit my yard each day but the Cardinal makes me the happiest. Each day is not complete unless I can spot him in the bird bath or sitting on a bird feeder getting seed. If I do not see him I wonder if he has been harmed or has flown off to a new yard and will never return. What joy fills my heart when I can catch a quick glance and know that he is okay and still sitting tall.

In a spiritual way so too is our relationship with Christ.

Everyday our Lord longs to see us and He wants to greet us.

He wants to feed us on His word. He wants to offer us living water to cool our parched souls and spirits.

We are the apple of His eye and he delights in us and wants to spend time with us.

Just like, in the Bible, when the shepherd notices one of his sheep missing and goes off and searches for it until he finds it so does our Saviour search and long for us.

Also our desire to see Jesus should be the same. We should long to meet with Him each day. Be disappointed when we can not spend time with Him. He should make our heart dance and give us a joyful song.

One of the most unique things about our almighty God is that to Him all of us are special. Every man and woman are the most important creature He has made - individually.

There is an all powerful, all knowing and awesome God-only ability to be all places at the same time. That makes it possible for God to love us most while loving someone else the same way. I do not understand it but it is true. God is able.

If God loves you so much why not love Him back in the most humble and obedient way. The Bible says that obeying God is better than to bringing Him sacrifices. It also says we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. What God wants is for us to love Him and obey Him out of commitment and loyalty.

Today make God special in your life because you already are to Him!

Daily Prayer Focus: Praise God for His unending, eternal love. Renew your commitment to God today to serve Him in obedience wholeheartedly.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for July 15, 2021

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

Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org

E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org

Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org

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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, July 14, 2021

Feeding The Birds

Feeding The Birds by Keith Cook

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

Lately I have been inundated with back to nature experiences. I have been stalked by a hawk, greeted by a Pileated Woodpecker, dodged deer on the road, and swam with dolphins.

I decided that it was time for me to do my part to keep the wild animals alive and well. So down to the local wild bird store I went, bought some organic gourmet bird seed, several bird feeders and set out to feed birds in my back yard.

Prior to setting up my feeding stations I had never seen more than a few birds in my yard at a time. After setting up my four feeders a wonderful backyard transformation took place. I no longer had a yard like Noah's Ark, with birds two by two, now I had scores of birds flocking to my "sanctuary." It has been quite comical to see all the birds fighting and fluttering to get to the seeds.

The first day the bird feeders were up I noticed about ten birds at a time at the feeders. They were enjoying the free lunch. I wanted the birds to have a cool drink with their seed so I went out, bought, and installed a bird bath. After a few days with an abundance of food and water the party was in full swing.

Now, after almost a month of feeding and watering the birds, I am still enjoying the experience and they seem to like it too. It seems that each day more and more birds are coming to be feed at my feeders. They have become old friends. I look for each one. Joan has even gotten into watching and listening to them. They really chatter at us when the feeders are empty. They also are not as jittery when we are outside in their proximity.

Where we use to have a handful of birds we now have twenty or thirty at a time and they are eating like crazy. They seem to enjoy the food, water, and attention and it is good for me to see them and relax and enjoy God's creation.

As my little wild birds are fed each day so can we be fed by the Word of God. This is vital and important for us as Christians. There is nothing like it. God has given us the Word to help us grow and enjoy the Christian life. Just like my little wild birds need seed to feed on so we need to feed on God's divinely inspired word. It will sustain us over the long haul of life.

You will gain more and more insights into God's will for your life if you will keep with a regular and consistent Bible study time. Each day you need to feast on God's Word and delve into the riches of it's pages. In the Bible the mysteries of life are revealed and the pathway to spiritual prosperity is illuminated. Do not neglect or not avail yourself to such a wonder diet.

Jesus Christ wants to feed you today. Make sure you come to the table!

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will open your eyes and ears to feast on His Word today and show You specifically the word that He has for 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!

On The Go Daily Devotion for July 14, 2021

Brought to you each day by 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

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Where Does Your Motivation Lie

Where Does Your Motivation Lie by Laurie McTier

"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up." 1 Corinthians 13:3, 4

What motivates you to action? Are you moved when you see the needs of others? Do you respond out of a heart of love and compassion, or out of guilt and a sense of responsibility? The Bible says that without love, our service will be unprofitable. Unless we are motivated by our love for Jesus Christ, we will quickly grow weary and burn out.

As you serve the Lord today, allow His agenda to become your own. The Bible tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God. The apostle Paul was compelled to serve God. Because of his love for God and those to whom he ministered to, he was driven to serve and to proclaim the Good News.

What is your motivating factor? Do others see Jesus in YOU!

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that your motivation to serve will be your love for Jesus Christ.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go Publications & Media Team. We are striving to saturate and minister to a contemporary culture and society through modern media. This division includes our audio, video, internet, and written materials. Through these various ministries we reach out, train, and inspire Christians to action.

On The Go Daily Devotion for July 13, 2021

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

Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org

E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org

Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org

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Monday, July 12, 2021

Street Witness

Street Witness by Joan Cook

"And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did." John 4:39

While in Costa Rica, on a mission project, I had the opportunity to speak with a girl in a plaza in downtown San Jose. While our team was performing a drama and preaching in the plaza, a girl named Ann Marie walked up to me and asked to receive a booklet that we were passing out.

The booklet was the Gospel of John and after giving her a copy I began talking with her about the Bible. She began telling me how she did not know much about God or the Bible. It was a great opportunity for me to talk with her about who God was and how He had changed my life. She listened very intently to my personal testimony and was amazed to find out how much Jesus loved her and had a wonderful plan for her life. God had used me to help make a difference in her life!

In the book of John, chapter 4, the Bible tells us that the woman at the well had an encounter with Jesus. She then hurried to tell others what He had done for her. The Bible says, "many believed because of the testimony of the woman!" Just one lady had made a dramatic difference in so many lives just by sharing what Christ had done in her own life. Sharing your own personal encounter with Jesus can change someone's life forever. We can make a difference in the lives of those we meet.

Do not underestimate what one person, YOU, can do for the kingdom!

Daily Prayer Focus: Focus on the one thing that keeps you from sharing your faith or living for God. Decide today to give that issue to God and move into God's perfect will for your life.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The physical, spiritual, emotional, and financial needs of people hurting all over the United States and Worldwide. As God gives us opportunity in times of crisis we need to rapidly move to help.

On The Go Daily Devotion for July 12, 2021

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

Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org

E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org

Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org

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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, July 11, 2021

Our World!

Our World! By Keith Cook

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

We need to understand our world.

Our world is a Dark World full of evil, violence, drugs, sex, and abuse. Evil gets more vocal and front page all the time. Once we are shocked often enough we then become complacent and numb to the abnormal and profane.

Our world is also a very vocal Third World full of hungry, needy and emerging people. Because of past neglect and abuse many of the under capitalized nations of the world are bitter and angry.

Our world also includes an Old World full of the status quo, with people looking for security and safety. They have become very traditional and nationalistic. Often they have outdated, time warped solutions to new and modern problems.

Our world includes a Disney World of fantasy and childish unrealistic expectations. Children and adults are allowed to live out of control with no absolutes and no moral compass.

There are some in our world who are Out of this World. Computers and technology is pulling us into the new millennium faster than most want to go. The future is here now.

You may think that you have special insulation from worldliness. You have it all figured out. You think you can escape worldliness. You have got God figured out and have put God in a box. Do you go to God when times start getting tough? Let Christ in your religion and allow the Holy Spirit of God to move in your heart and take hold of every area of your life.

Ask yourself:

1. Is the world in you? How is it obvious?

2. How do you hide it from others?

3. What are you going to do about it?

Daily Prayer Focus: God, search me and know me, try me and see if there be any wicked way in me. Continue to set me apart from the world as I am sent out to the world!

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for July 11, 2021

Brought to you each day by 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

______________________________________________

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, July 10, 2021

Why Serve God?

Why Serve God? by Keith Cook

"Do you not say there are yet four months and then comes harvest? Behold I say to you, Lift Up Your Eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest." John 4:35

There are several reasons people serve God.

1. For Fame - They want to make a name for themselves. They want to help the poor "heathen people."

2. For Fun - They think that mission trips, ministry, and service to others take them to exciting places. They want to have fun and meet other people.

3. For Adventure or Fantasy - They want to have a great experience with the culture or blaze a trail that no one has ever been on.

4. For Family - Their parents or spouse want them to minister and they agree to do ministry to save face or go along with the family on a project.

5. For Escape - They have nothing better to do and it will get them away from school or job for a while.

6. For Peers - Everyone else is going and they do not want to be left out.

7. For God - They are called by God and want to make a difference for Christ. They have lifted their eyes and looked on the fields that are ready for harvest.

Which one of the above represents you?

We serve God because...

He died for us.

He asked us to go for Him.

He loves the lost and so do we.

He will be with us as we go.

He will use us if we are "on the go" for Him!

Why serve God? Because He served us!

After taking thousands of people all over the world and all over the United States to do ministry I have experienced all of the above reasons why people want to go for God. When I find someone who really wants to go for God and they give all they have for Him I usually have made a co-worker for life.

Is God calling you to Go for Him?

Are you willing to listen and do what He says?

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will purify every wrong motivation that you may have for serving Him.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for July 10, 2021

Brought to you each day by 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

______________________________________________

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.