On The Go Daily with Keith Cook

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Have A Full Heart part 3 of 4 by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion for December 9, 2010
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

Have A Full Heart part 3 of 4 by Keith Cook

Here are some "Helps for Following Christ".

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

This week we have been studying How to Have A Full Heart". You can grow as a Christian by doing the following things on a regular basis! While these four expressions of a Full Heart are vital they are not all God has for you to do. But they are a great foundation.

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

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

Faithfulness to a local church helps you:

a. Develop your spiritual gifts.

"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:4-8

b. Worship and Praise the Lord.

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

c. Learn what the Bible really teaches.

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

d. Be encouraged and helped by other believers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's "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.

Copyright (c) 2002, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Have A Full Heart part 2 of 4 by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion for December 8, 2010
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

Have A Full Heart part 2 of 4 by Keith Cook

Here are some Helps for Following Christ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Studying the Word of God provides:

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

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

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

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

On The Go Prayer Focus: 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.

Copyright (c) 2002, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

Monday, December 6, 2010

Have A Full Heart part 1 of 4 by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotional for December 6, 2010
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

Have A Full Heart part 1 of 4 by Keith Cook

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

Here are some "Helps for Following Christ"

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

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

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

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

In prayer you:

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

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

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

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

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

On The Go Prayer Focus: 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.

Copyright (c) 2002, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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, December 5, 2010

Trail Of Good Or Bad by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotional for December 5, 2010
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

News Event Flash: We are currently making preparations for our Christmas Inner City Outreach on December 18, 2010. There is still a need for volunteers and individuals who will help to provide a very special Christmas for an individual or families. If you would like to make a monetary donation, or contribute toys or other Christmas items, please contact our office at 615-299-0222. Thank you and may you have a Blessed Christmas season!

Trail Of Good Or Bad by Keith Cook

"Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not so to be." James 3:10

"Blessed is he who devotes his life to great and noble ends, and who forms his well-considered plans with deliberate wisdom." Saint Augustine

Recently a former Russian spy died from radiation poisoning. His killers left a trail of radiation all over London. This trail of radiation went to over twelve different locations varying from the places they ate, the places they stayed, and even several airplanes they traveled on. The authorities are actually traveling down a path of death and destruction based on radiation levels. It has been reported that the murderers may have contaminated 33,000 people.

As a Christian, we leave a trail behind us as well. The trail should lead people to Christ. Our path should be strait and true, void of needless detours into selfish and worldly affairs.

Wherever we go we are to leave behind blessings, not curses, life, not death. You can leave behind blessings by speaking kindly to all you meet. You can also speak encouragement and faith into people's lives. Your actual words can bring hope or douse faith. There is power in our words.What are you leaving behind you? Are you spewing poison, or showering blessings? The choice is yours.

Here are some simple things for you to focus on today:

1. Commit to spreading the Good news.

2. Devote your life to service to the King of Kings.

3. Plan on demonstrating your faith and commitment to Christ in every area of our life.

4. Expect God to lead you and provide for you as you serve Him. Make great plans, dream great dreams, and do great deeds for Jesus.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that you will be a blessing to each of those you come in contact with today. Pray that your life will portray Christ, and shower others with life, joy, and encouragement.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The GoTeam Short Term Missions Projects and GoTeam Members. GoTeams are made up of young people and adults who voluntarily go on an On The Go mission project around the world and are making a strategic impact for Christ.

Copyright (c) 2006, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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, December 4, 2010

Inner City Christmas by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotional for December 4, 2010
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

News Event: On The Go Annual Christmas Outreach and Festival will be held on December 18, 2010!

Inner City Christmas by Keith Cook

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

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

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

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

We need your help with this year's Christmas outreach. We need gifts for each individual in each home. You can purchase the gifts or give a monetary donation and we will purchase them. Would you consider helping us with this tremendous outreach to one of our local communities?

Recently we went out and delivered pies to over 400 families. We were able to do a survey of the families and there are many needs. Most homes will have a poor Christmas without our help.

Pray for God's direction this holiday season. There are so many needs all around each of us. If God should give you opportunity to help us we would appreciate your help. Fill out a participation card with all your up to date information or go to www.onthego.org and click on the ³On The Go Volunteer Sign Up² button and select the volunteer and gift. Decide how you want to participate. There are several options. You can pick one or all.

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

On The Go Prayer Focus: 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.

Copyright (c) 2002, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

Friday, December 3, 2010

Mom's Example by Joan Cook

On The Go Daily Devotional for December 3, 2010
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

Mom's Example by Joan Cook

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright (c) 2003, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

Thursday, December 2, 2010

How To Help Children Grow Up Healthy by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotional for December 2, 2010
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

How To Help Children Grow Up Healthy by Keith Cook

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

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

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

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

Children and teens need the following:

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

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

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

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

5. Expression - They need to know that you will let them share and join in the process of ministry.

When a teen or child expresses concerns or solutions to problems it is imperative to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright (c) 2004, 2010 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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.