We Look Strange by Keith Cook
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself." Matthew 22:37, 39
Christians are strange birds. We often look and sound different than those we regularly come in contact with at work or play. How we come across and how we present ourselves has a great deal to do with how well our witnessing efforts will be received.
How do most lost individuals view us? What kind of messages do we portray by our actions and words? Let's take a closer look.
I have talked with the unchurched, professing unbelievers, rebellious radicals, and confused seekers of truth all over the world and these are five conclusions I have come to.
1. The unchurched see believers as Bible Thumpers. They actually believe we know the Bible and have an answer or solution for almost every ill that befalls a person. They also are intimidated by some zealots who attack them with religious knowledge without "speaking the truth in love." Having found that out leads me to question why so many Christians do not use this great insight for their advantage by actually knowing the Bible and applying what it says to social ills and problems. Using a timely and true word from God has more weight than our opinion. Use the Word but be careful not to beat someone over the head with your scriptural insights!
2. The seeker sees Christians in general as being too busy to worry with them. They assume that we all are too busy and that that is the reason we never invite them to our events, services, and special activities. They drive by hundreds of churches with signs and posters proclaiming all the fantastic events going on inside. While most of us would not crash a party uninvited so no believers will not risk coming to most church events without a personal invitation.
3. Lost people believe that Christians have it all together. No problems, no worries, no needs. Because we put on a good show we can often risk not giving God the glory in how He directs and protects us. We need to be transparent in our relying on Him in the middle of crisis and when we must make tough decisions.
4. The non-churched also believe that Christians make great bosses, teammates, friends, and are basically good people. That is why a church goer who goes crazy and does something tragic makes headlines. It's not just an attack of Satan trying to expose Christianity, it often in a numb and unbelieving secular society who can not believe that someone who professes Christ could do such a thing. Believers are put up on a pedestal and must quickly confess their sins and shortcoming to all it effects. Waiting and covering sin always leads to ruin. We need to be examples and live for Christ all the time. We also must let Jesus be our guide for how to live and practice our faith.
5. A final word on how the lost see Christians. They do see us! They are watching us. They can judge us right or wrong when we display non-Christlike attitudes. The lost judge us most sharply when we live contrary to the Bible. They also critique us strongly when we act like we don't care about a social issue. They get hurt and feel like we do not value them when we dismiss them and do not share our real faith with them.
The Devil has made most believers feel that the lost will be offended if we share with them but I have found just the opposite. They want to talk, they want to begin a dialog about faith. They want to be religious. They need Jesus. He will direct them back to living right and being right with God.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will give you a deeper sensitivity to the needs of the non-churched and unbelievers in your family, neighborhood, and work place. Pray for a greater urgency to speak the truth with boldness.
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 Devotion for April 6, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2005, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Love Is
Love Is by David Brandon
"By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." John 13:35
If someone asked you to finish this statement, "Love is..." how would you answer?
Some might say, "Love is running with my dog." "Love is riding a motorcycle." Or "Love is playing sports."
You might say, "Love is caring for your family." When I met my wife, Gloria, it was easy to fall in love with her and I love her more every day. At the birth of my son, Joshua I loved him immediately, because he was a gift from God.
Love is God giving His Son so we may have eternal life and avoid Hell. When I gave my life to Jesus, He forgave me of my sins and filled me with the Holy Spirit. I realized a deep sense of His love for me and I naturally loved Him back.
Love is Christians showing that Jesus is real inside and outside the Church. Many people today need to be loved by Jesus. Their lifestyle may be different from ours but they need Jesus. People without Christ need to see Him in us by our actions.
The Bible says, "Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;" 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is not a feeling but a decision to take action.
Decide today to:
Love God by getting alone with Him daily
Love your neighbor by caring for them
Pray for the unlovable and love them
Do an act of kindness for someone that wouldn't expect it from you.
Pray for Evangelists and Missionaries
Give financially so that the love of the Jesus is carried around the world
On The Go has many fine men and women who are taking the love of Jesus around the world. You can join them with your prayers and financial giving.
Love is sharing with everyone we meet the Good News that "Jesus loves them".
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will allow you to show love to someone in need. Also, pray for the lost that they will see their need for a Savior.
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 Devotion for April 5, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2009, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
"By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." John 13:35
If someone asked you to finish this statement, "Love is..." how would you answer?
Some might say, "Love is running with my dog." "Love is riding a motorcycle." Or "Love is playing sports."
You might say, "Love is caring for your family." When I met my wife, Gloria, it was easy to fall in love with her and I love her more every day. At the birth of my son, Joshua I loved him immediately, because he was a gift from God.
Love is God giving His Son so we may have eternal life and avoid Hell. When I gave my life to Jesus, He forgave me of my sins and filled me with the Holy Spirit. I realized a deep sense of His love for me and I naturally loved Him back.
Love is Christians showing that Jesus is real inside and outside the Church. Many people today need to be loved by Jesus. Their lifestyle may be different from ours but they need Jesus. People without Christ need to see Him in us by our actions.
The Bible says, "Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;" 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is not a feeling but a decision to take action.
Decide today to:
Love God by getting alone with Him daily
Love your neighbor by caring for them
Pray for the unlovable and love them
Do an act of kindness for someone that wouldn't expect it from you.
Pray for Evangelists and Missionaries
Give financially so that the love of the Jesus is carried around the world
On The Go has many fine men and women who are taking the love of Jesus around the world. You can join them with your prayers and financial giving.
Love is sharing with everyone we meet the Good News that "Jesus loves them".
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will allow you to show love to someone in need. Also, pray for the lost that they will see their need for a Savior.
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 Devotion for April 5, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2009, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Friday, April 4, 2014
By Faith We Stand
By Faith We Stand by On The Go Staff
Today the staff at On The Go would like to encourage you to spend some time meditating on the following verses on FAITH. We believe that faith can move mountains that seem impossible, and by faith you can serve the Lord in any capacity He has called you to serve!
"But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." Matthew 9:22
"Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt." Matthew 15:28
"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1
"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Matthew 17:20
"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2
"Where there is no vision, the people perish:" Proverbs 29:18
Stand in faith today! God will reward you for your faithfulness.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will continue to expand your ministry as you seek to faithfully serve Him.
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 Devotion For April 04, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Today the staff at On The Go would like to encourage you to spend some time meditating on the following verses on FAITH. We believe that faith can move mountains that seem impossible, and by faith you can serve the Lord in any capacity He has called you to serve!
"But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." Matthew 9:22
"Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt." Matthew 15:28
"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1
"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Matthew 17:20
"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2
"Where there is no vision, the people perish:" Proverbs 29:18
Stand in faith today! God will reward you for your faithfulness.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will continue to expand your ministry as you seek to faithfully serve Him.
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 Devotion For April 04, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Lord, I See by
Lord, I See by Tekká Kelly and Laurie McTier
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:10, 13
As Christians we can all look around us everyday and see signs of God's Presence and Power in our lives. Our God is an awesome God, and He is truly worthy to be praised. All too often; however, we fail to thank God for the blessings He has given to us. May we never take His Presence and Power for granted.
Our walk with Christ is dependent upon the time that we spend with Him each and everyday in prayer and Bible study. May God reveal His truths to us so that in return we can bless others with the lessons He has taught us. God doesn't bless us and expect us to hoard the blessings, but wants us to share them with our family and friends that God puts across our paths.
Today I want to close by leaving you with a poem written by a young girl that has grown-up under the influence of On The Go Ministries. Tekká became a Christian as a young girl during one of our Neighborhood Outreaches, and God has blessed her with a gift of writing poetry and songs.
Lord I See
Lord I see your Mighty Power
Shining through the Light Tower.
Some may say He's a Coward.
But they don't know His Marvelous Power.
From where I stand
He is the Glory in all our land.
We shall Sing and Dance
For He will Rise Again.
From the bottom of the ocean
To the top of the sky.
He's our salvation
That we see rise.
From every nation
To every grand,
To every state he will rise again.
For the Lord
We seek will rise again.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that your Christian faith never become mundane or common place. Pray God will give you renewed zeal and a renewed sense of His Presence and His Power.
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 April 3, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2005, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:10, 13
As Christians we can all look around us everyday and see signs of God's Presence and Power in our lives. Our God is an awesome God, and He is truly worthy to be praised. All too often; however, we fail to thank God for the blessings He has given to us. May we never take His Presence and Power for granted.
Our walk with Christ is dependent upon the time that we spend with Him each and everyday in prayer and Bible study. May God reveal His truths to us so that in return we can bless others with the lessons He has taught us. God doesn't bless us and expect us to hoard the blessings, but wants us to share them with our family and friends that God puts across our paths.
Today I want to close by leaving you with a poem written by a young girl that has grown-up under the influence of On The Go Ministries. Tekká became a Christian as a young girl during one of our Neighborhood Outreaches, and God has blessed her with a gift of writing poetry and songs.
Lord I See
Lord I see your Mighty Power
Shining through the Light Tower.
Some may say He's a Coward.
But they don't know His Marvelous Power.
From where I stand
He is the Glory in all our land.
We shall Sing and Dance
For He will Rise Again.
From the bottom of the ocean
To the top of the sky.
He's our salvation
That we see rise.
From every nation
To every grand,
To every state he will rise again.
For the Lord
We seek will rise again.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that your Christian faith never become mundane or common place. Pray God will give you renewed zeal and a renewed sense of His Presence and His Power.
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 April 3, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2005, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
The Umpire
The Umpire by Keith Cook
"There is no umpire between us, who may lay his hand upon us both." Job 9:33 NASB
Recently, I went to a baseball game. Our local team was doing great! Home runs were being hit left and right. Then it happened! Our pitcher threw a wild pitch and it almost hit the batter. The batter got so mad that he started yelling at the pitcher. Then our manager became rather upset and started yelling at the batter who, by then, was being defended by his manager. It was a rather fun scene for us as spectators, but for the players on the field it was very serious and a tense
situation.
Into the middle of the situation stepped the umpire. While the coach of a team has a lot of authority and can usually rule his players, there is one person on that field who has total authority, the umpire. When he speaks everyone must listen. When he says "play ball," they all play ball. When he says "You're out of here," you take a walk to the locker room, and no matter how loud you yell and protest, there is no way to get back into the game.
When the umpire had had enough, he sent both coaches back to their dugouts, the players went back to their positions, and the game continued. The tense situation was over and the game was completed.
While Job thought there was no umpire who could mediate between God and man, there actually was, it was Jesus Christ. Jesus stepped in and brought peace between God and man, even between you and God.
In the game of life, Jesus is the spiritual umpire who can control your actions and reactions. Don't strikeout on your own. Don't be disqualified by not showing up for the game. Let Jesus call you safe at home plate (Heaven) one day!
Daily Prayer Focus: Praise God for Jesus as He serves as a Mediator on your behalf.
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.
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 April 2, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2004, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
"There is no umpire between us, who may lay his hand upon us both." Job 9:33 NASB
Recently, I went to a baseball game. Our local team was doing great! Home runs were being hit left and right. Then it happened! Our pitcher threw a wild pitch and it almost hit the batter. The batter got so mad that he started yelling at the pitcher. Then our manager became rather upset and started yelling at the batter who, by then, was being defended by his manager. It was a rather fun scene for us as spectators, but for the players on the field it was very serious and a tense
situation.
Into the middle of the situation stepped the umpire. While the coach of a team has a lot of authority and can usually rule his players, there is one person on that field who has total authority, the umpire. When he speaks everyone must listen. When he says "play ball," they all play ball. When he says "You're out of here," you take a walk to the locker room, and no matter how loud you yell and protest, there is no way to get back into the game.
When the umpire had had enough, he sent both coaches back to their dugouts, the players went back to their positions, and the game continued. The tense situation was over and the game was completed.
While Job thought there was no umpire who could mediate between God and man, there actually was, it was Jesus Christ. Jesus stepped in and brought peace between God and man, even between you and God.
In the game of life, Jesus is the spiritual umpire who can control your actions and reactions. Don't strikeout on your own. Don't be disqualified by not showing up for the game. Let Jesus call you safe at home plate (Heaven) one day!
Daily Prayer Focus: Praise God for Jesus as He serves as a Mediator on your behalf.
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.
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 April 2, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2004, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Strange But True
Strange But True by Laurie McTier
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." Psalms 14:1
In the sixteenth century, some countries celebrated the start of their new year on April 1st. In 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar where the New Year fell on January 1st. In those days, technology was not as advanced as it is today, so news traveled very slowly. Many continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1st. The individuals who had heard the news played pranks or tricks on those who had not heard and called them "April Fools".
Biblically speaking, the only real fool in today's society is the individual who does not let his or her life count for God. The wise man will receive his reward as he has sought to honor God with his life and has endeavored to tell others about Him. The fool is the man who has chosen to deny God or has become disobedient to His commandments.
We are God's Ambassadors. He wants us to allow our life to count for Him, to make an impact in our society. He has given to us the charge of the Great Commission so that we will tell others of His love and sacrifice that they may have eternal life. May the Great Commission not become the Great Omission in our life.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for wisdom as you seek to allow your life to count for God.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook Crusades, Celebrations, and Festivals. God has given Keith the opportunity and privilege of sharing the message of Christ both stateside and internationally. During each opportunity, Keith presents a joyful and enthusiastic, yet powerful and clear presentation of the Gospel and a call to commitment to Christ.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion For April 1, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2004, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." Psalms 14:1
In the sixteenth century, some countries celebrated the start of their new year on April 1st. In 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar where the New Year fell on January 1st. In those days, technology was not as advanced as it is today, so news traveled very slowly. Many continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1st. The individuals who had heard the news played pranks or tricks on those who had not heard and called them "April Fools".
Biblically speaking, the only real fool in today's society is the individual who does not let his or her life count for God. The wise man will receive his reward as he has sought to honor God with his life and has endeavored to tell others about Him. The fool is the man who has chosen to deny God or has become disobedient to His commandments.
We are God's Ambassadors. He wants us to allow our life to count for Him, to make an impact in our society. He has given to us the charge of the Great Commission so that we will tell others of His love and sacrifice that they may have eternal life. May the Great Commission not become the Great Omission in our life.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for wisdom as you seek to allow your life to count for God.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook Crusades, Celebrations, and Festivals. God has given Keith the opportunity and privilege of sharing the message of Christ both stateside and internationally. During each opportunity, Keith presents a joyful and enthusiastic, yet powerful and clear presentation of the Gospel and a call to commitment to Christ.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion For April 1, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2004, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Being Alone
Being Alone by Keith Cook
Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers. 1 Samuel 12:7
Recently, I had a really strange weekend. I was all alone. It is really quite hard to suddenly find yourself alone when you are use to having people all in your life. Usually I have all kinds of people and things in my life - all kinds of activity. But not so that weekend.
Joan, my wife, was visiting family miles away. My son, Keith and his wife Megan, were away ministering in a local church revival on the Gulf Coast. My local friends all had plans for the weekend. All my staff were out ministering all over the world and I was home alone. Friends from out of town did stop in earlier in the week to visit for one night but they now had moved on down the road. To make things even worse - it was cloudy and raining outside.
I had tried to fill my life with activity. I had plenty of places I could go eat at or shop or look at. But they all had no appeal.
I had rented several movies I had been wanting to see, that my wife would not want to see, but they some how seem uninteresting.
I had turned on my internet buddy list and internet phone service but no one was chatting or calling.
Every dish was clean, all the laundry was in the basket, the normal manly clutter was out of sight. Nothing left to do - nothing! I mean nothing!
My house was suddenly very quiet and very lonely.
Does this sound like something you have ever been through?
While my predicament sounds dire it was not really life threatening. It was not very serious but it was very emotional. My wife, son, friends, co-workers, peers, are all great and will be back in my world very soon. This is not a real problem. I am just spoiled with a wonderful life that is filled with wonderful people, activities, and blessings from God.
Many people live their lives in a kind of permanent aloneness. They never get beyond being just with themselves.
The Bible tells us, if we have a relationship in Christ, that we are never really alone. We have the presence of Christ in our life at all times. Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."
The Bible actually admonishes us to "be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10
Here are some insight about being alone.
1. Being temporarily alone is not a bad thing. You will survive. Use the time to reflect, catch up, clean up, relax, enjoy.
2. Take time to actually plan to get alone for a time or season. I am not talking about great amounts of time - simply - take the time, make the time, to get alone for some quality time of reflection and meditation on what God is doing in your life and what He may want to be doing in the future. This is something you may want to do on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis.
3. Plan a daily time to get alone with God. During this time you need to pray, read the Word (Bible), and have some time to reflect and wait on God to speak to your mind and heart.
4. If you have been through a crisis or suffered a loss due to death make sure you are allowing God, your church, your friends and family to minister to you.
5. If you do not have family, friends, or a church home now would be a great time to seek out a local church to help you in your time of need. We all need support and encouragement and the local church is a great - best - place to start.
6. If you do not know the Lord - now is a good time to come to Him. He loves you and will help you - not just through this situation - but with your whole life.
7. Do not retreat into perpetual aloneness. Allow time during times of grief and sorrow - but also allow Christ to heal your heart and mind. Seek Christian professional help if you do not seem to be handling your grief and situations in a way that you know is healthy and right.
So being alone is not really a bad thing. It may be boring. It may be unusual and seldom experienced but Christ can speak and lead even in times of aloneness.
You can probably tell what God has called me to do during my time alone - away for all my normal activity. He has led me to write this devotion! I hope it has been time well spent. I certainly do not feel all alone any more. I feel like you have joined me in this very moment. May God bless you as you live on for Christ. Never alone - always - in Christ.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will give you time this week to literally get alone with Him in prayer and Bible study. Pray that He will prepare your heart for the truths He will reveal to you!
On The Go Prayer Focus: All the local churches, committees, and leaders who will be working with On The Go Ministries and the Keith Cook Team in creative outreach efforts in the United States and around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for March 31, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2008, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers. 1 Samuel 12:7
Recently, I had a really strange weekend. I was all alone. It is really quite hard to suddenly find yourself alone when you are use to having people all in your life. Usually I have all kinds of people and things in my life - all kinds of activity. But not so that weekend.
Joan, my wife, was visiting family miles away. My son, Keith and his wife Megan, were away ministering in a local church revival on the Gulf Coast. My local friends all had plans for the weekend. All my staff were out ministering all over the world and I was home alone. Friends from out of town did stop in earlier in the week to visit for one night but they now had moved on down the road. To make things even worse - it was cloudy and raining outside.
I had tried to fill my life with activity. I had plenty of places I could go eat at or shop or look at. But they all had no appeal.
I had rented several movies I had been wanting to see, that my wife would not want to see, but they some how seem uninteresting.
I had turned on my internet buddy list and internet phone service but no one was chatting or calling.
Every dish was clean, all the laundry was in the basket, the normal manly clutter was out of sight. Nothing left to do - nothing! I mean nothing!
My house was suddenly very quiet and very lonely.
Does this sound like something you have ever been through?
While my predicament sounds dire it was not really life threatening. It was not very serious but it was very emotional. My wife, son, friends, co-workers, peers, are all great and will be back in my world very soon. This is not a real problem. I am just spoiled with a wonderful life that is filled with wonderful people, activities, and blessings from God.
Many people live their lives in a kind of permanent aloneness. They never get beyond being just with themselves.
The Bible tells us, if we have a relationship in Christ, that we are never really alone. We have the presence of Christ in our life at all times. Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."
The Bible actually admonishes us to "be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10
Here are some insight about being alone.
1. Being temporarily alone is not a bad thing. You will survive. Use the time to reflect, catch up, clean up, relax, enjoy.
2. Take time to actually plan to get alone for a time or season. I am not talking about great amounts of time - simply - take the time, make the time, to get alone for some quality time of reflection and meditation on what God is doing in your life and what He may want to be doing in the future. This is something you may want to do on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis.
3. Plan a daily time to get alone with God. During this time you need to pray, read the Word (Bible), and have some time to reflect and wait on God to speak to your mind and heart.
4. If you have been through a crisis or suffered a loss due to death make sure you are allowing God, your church, your friends and family to minister to you.
5. If you do not have family, friends, or a church home now would be a great time to seek out a local church to help you in your time of need. We all need support and encouragement and the local church is a great - best - place to start.
6. If you do not know the Lord - now is a good time to come to Him. He loves you and will help you - not just through this situation - but with your whole life.
7. Do not retreat into perpetual aloneness. Allow time during times of grief and sorrow - but also allow Christ to heal your heart and mind. Seek Christian professional help if you do not seem to be handling your grief and situations in a way that you know is healthy and right.
So being alone is not really a bad thing. It may be boring. It may be unusual and seldom experienced but Christ can speak and lead even in times of aloneness.
You can probably tell what God has called me to do during my time alone - away for all my normal activity. He has led me to write this devotion! I hope it has been time well spent. I certainly do not feel all alone any more. I feel like you have joined me in this very moment. May God bless you as you live on for Christ. Never alone - always - in Christ.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will give you time this week to literally get alone with Him in prayer and Bible study. Pray that He will prepare your heart for the truths He will reveal to you!
On The Go Prayer Focus: All the local churches, committees, and leaders who will be working with On The Go Ministries and the Keith Cook Team in creative outreach efforts in the United States and around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for March 31, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2008, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
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