On The Go Daily with Keith Cook: September 2022

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Set Your Focus For The Future

Set Your Focus For The Future by Keith Cook

Today I would like to give you a simple little exercise that can help you "consider your future" and begin to look at God's vision for your time on earth. God wants us to all march boldly into our future. He wants us to storm the gates of hell and have signs and wonders following all who believe.

I want to send you a simple little tool that we have developed to help you prepare for your future. I will gladly send it to you if you write or email us today. Ask for the "Set Your Focus" booklet.

Please use this exercise to find and focus on single words that represent your hopes or observations for each of the following areas of your life or important people in your life. If you can't wait for your copy you can find a printable version on our website www.onthego.org - then go to resources section and click on Applications and Forms then scroll down to Focus Series and Evangelists Series and choose Set Your Focus or use this link to go there directly to http://www.onthego.org/resrc/focus.html.

These are in no way "magic" words or even "divine" observations. They are simply words that represent your honest attempt to focus on your family, friends, life, career and ministry. God can and may use these words to remind you and help you pray and trust God in these areas.

Think and pray about what you write down and then focus on these single words and what they represent for that person or situation.

You may want to work through this exercise monthly or quarterly. Some find it necessary to go over this every year. The main thing is to give God an opportunity to inspire and direct you in these areas.

Try to fill in each applicable area and come back to these words as often as the Lord directs. You will be amazed at how simple it is to complete this exercise and what a blessing you will receive in giving this a special effort.

Reminder: Write in each word that you think of that relates to each area listed in the next section.

Take the time to use this exercise to:

1. Find out who you are - So you can have Peace in your natural man.

2. Know what you believe - So you will feel Secure in your spiritual man.

3. Know where you're going - So you will feel Confident for your Future.

4. Bring others with you - So you will be Used to bring others with you to Heaven.

Daily Prayer Focus: Please do this exercise some time this weekend. I will be praying that you will.

-I know this is different but I know this will help you focus on

God's will for your life. Email, call or write me with your

results. I will pray for you and would love to encourage you in

your focus and ministries.

-For your hard copy write us at On The Go, PO Box 963,

Springfield, TN 37172, or you can call us at 615/299-0222.

On The Go Prayer Focus: All the Ministry Partners, Missions, Missionaries that On The Go ministers with. It takes team work to make the dream of reaching the world a reality.

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

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 28, 2022

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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Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Generational Vision For The Future

Generational Vision For The Future 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

Each new generation needs to hear the message like it has never been preached before. Right now half of our world is under 25 years of age. They need a new and fresh outpouring of God's love.

Nothing ever built arose to touch the skies unless some man dreamed that it should, believed that it could, and willed that it must.

The Bible states in Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you..." He wants you to have a vision.

1) You need a vision that crosses national and cultural boundaries.

2) You need a vision that focuses on the desperate plight of the lost.

3) You need a vision that moves you to action.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for your generation and your part in reaching everyone in it! This is you time to make a difference.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The Families of the On The Go staff. Pray for their emotions, finances, safety, wisdom, and spiritual health.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 27, 2022

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.

Monday, September 26, 2022

Record Our Vision For The Future

Record Our Vision For The Future by Keith Cook

"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." Habakkuk 2:2

Your VISION:

1. Must be based on Word of God

2. Must be expanded or it can die

3. Is for an appointed time

4. Hastens to goal

5. Will not fail

6. May tarry, but it will come

7. Can be lost if you give up

Could God be calling you to make an impact on those around you? I believe that God is calling out young and old to serve Him in these last days. Write down your call. Make it plain. Share it with your parents, friends, and associates. Dream great dreams, plan great plans, pray great prayers, and do great deeds for God.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for the courage to talk with others about what God is calling you to do. Risk it. Think it out loud. Be bold.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The Finances of the Team as they boldly go out for Jesus Christ. Pray that all their needs will be met at home and for the projects they are working on.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 24, 2022

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.

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Our Vision For The Future

Our Vision For The Future by Keith Cook

In Proverbs 29:18 the Bible says, "where there is NO VISION ... People PERISH"

As you are reading this over two billion have not heard about the love of Jesus. Over 150,000 people a day die without Christ!

Now is the time for all Christians not to hide in fear, but to loudly celebrate, lovingly care, laboriously cultivate, and longingly communicate our faith.

We should Loudly Celebrate and rejoice in the Life we have in Christ.

We can Lovingly Care for every person on the planet.

We must Laboriously Cultivate friendships and relationships that God can divinely use for the Kingdom and cultivate our own knowledge of the Word and Ways of God.

We must Longingly Communicate the love of Christ to the whole World.

Have A Vision Beyond Today - "He who aims at nothing usually hits it!"

A VISION is a Revelation of the definite will of God.

Absence of a vision results in people who will

1. Perish

2. Run wild

3. Live unrestrained

4. Rebel

5. Be Idle

6. Play

Sounds like America and the World we live in!

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for Vision!

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's World Outreach Center (WOC). This is our main office and training facility. Pray for God to protect the building, guard the mechanical and structural aspects of the facility, and use the facility for maximum eternal benefits.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 25, 2022

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, September 24, 2022

Embrace The Future

Embrace The Future by Keith Cook

News Event: Kenya Evangelism Conference September 23 & 24th. God is raising up men and women to serve Him in Kenya and throughout Africa. Pray for Keith and Joan as they encourage, equip, challenge, and mentor the Body of Believers in Kenya to serve God and to boldly share their faith.

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" Romans 3:22-24

We also need to embrace the future. Embrace it. If you haven't figured it out by now, I have formed an acrostic of the word future.

•Face the future

•Unaffected by the future

•Trust in God for the future

•Unwise not to consider your future

•Reaping and sowing for the future

•Embrace the future

You can personally embrace the future.

"I have hope in Him. Therefore, the Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him it is good that he wait silently for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he should bear the yoke in his youth." Lamentations 3:24-27

The Bible is basically talking about embracing the Lord and trusting Him for your future happiness and peace. Right now you can do something that can affect how you will embrace and face your future. God's Word tells you how to begin to embrace your future right now!

Look In

Begin by taking a realistic look in. Right now the Lord would have you look into your future and decide if you are prepared.

When you look inside your heart of hearts, if you don't have Jesus inside, it doesn't matter what goes on on the outside. Your future is not secure.

When you look inside yourself, you should know if you are really His! The Bible says His Spirit bears witness with our spirit whether or not we are of Christ.

You can have Jesus living in you in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is as simple as taking these three steps.

Step 1. Admit that you are a sinner and that you are sorry for your sins. The Bible says in 1 John 1:8,9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Step 2. Believe the truth about God and His love for you in Christ. God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for you and to pay the penalty of your sin. He willingly gave up His life to give you life with God. He loves you and wants to be your God.

Step 3. Call on the name of the Lord in prayer asking Christ to come be your Savior. You can pray right now. The Bible says in Romans 10:13, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Why not pray right now and really prepare for your future. Here is a simple prayer that can represent the desire of your heart.

Dear God, I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I am sorry for my sin. Jesus, you died on the cross for me. I believe in you and ask you to come be my Savior and God. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. By your power I will live for you. I love you and thank you. In Jesus name, Amen.

(If you prayed that prayer we would love to send you some information on how to live the Christian life. Please call, email or write us. God bless you and welcome to the family of God.)

When you know for sure that all is right between you and God then He wants you to embrace your future.

He wants us to embrace Him because He said, "I am the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life." In other words, He is our future, He is our past, and He is our present. Embrace it.

Look in, are you prepared? That means have you come to Christ? Have you settled it with Christ? Have you made everything in your life that concerns your spiritual life complete? God can help you make it plain, simple and precise!

Some of us try to make our faith difficult. It's basically this, do you love God? Are you doing what He says? Embrace Him, look inside.

Look Out

You also need to look out when you embrace the future. What is your part in what's going on in the future? What would God have you do? What is God calling you to do? There are many opportunities for Christian service all around you. You can begin serving God right in your own neighborhood. You can volunteer with a Christian ministry. God may lead you to participate on a short term mission project. He may lead you to help with some of the ministries at your local church. The possibilities are endless.

If you would like more information on what you can do to serve God you can call our office or even send us a letter or e-mail requesting information on what you can do to make a difference for Christ. We would love to help you become "On The Go" for Jesus.

Look Up

Embrace the future, look out at what God has for you to do for Him and then look up. Look up to the Lord, He is there.

Tomorrow when you wake up and you're still here, and no terrorist has blown up your world, then you have a decision to make. If you're still breathing, and your family is safe, when tomorrow comes, you are going to have to go on to the next day, and then to the next, and the next. This will go on and on until Jesus comes to take you home or you pass from this life to the next.

Your future is bright! It is as bright as the promises of God. God says, "I'm here for you, I'm ready for you. I will take you into the future. I will take you beyond tomorrow." There is something beyond the right now. It's called Heaven and it's prepared for those who know Him.

Your future is secure if your future is in Him. So cheer up, you can get out of here and end up in Heaven whenever He wants you. But until He wants you, He is with you.

So, what can befall you that doesn't first come through the blood and through our Lord Jesus Christ. If God be for you, who can be against you? What does your future hold? According to God - More opportunities! More open doors! More trials and more obstacles! More opportunities to see that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Daily Prayer Focus: Are you ready for your future? Ask Jesus to give you a future with Him. Make sure your future is in Him!

On The Go Prayer Focus: The follow-up of inquirers who come publicly and make decisions for Christ, write in for materials to grow in Christ, or who visit our website looking for help in following Christ. Pray for local believers, churches, parents, and friends who all will be used of God to nurture each and every one to maturity in Christ.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 24, 2022

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.

Friday, September 23, 2022

The Importance of Reaping And Sowing in Our Future

The Importance of Reaping And Sowing in Our Future by Keith Cook

NEWS EVENT: September 23 & 24, 2022 - Kenya - On The Go Evangelism Outreach Training School. Please pray for Keith and Joan Cook as they minister to Pastors, Evangelists, and Church Leaders via a Virtual Zoom Call. Pray that each might be encouraged, blessed, challenged, and refueled to carry our God's Call!

Earlier this month we have looked at how we can sow love, stability, faith, hope, and peace into people's lives. In the past few days we have talked a lot about facing the future and making our lives count for Christ. Today, let's look at two other ways that we can sow fruit for God's Glory and at the same time make an impact on the future.

1. We should sow Blessings - We all have been blessed of God to be a blessing. God could take all of us to Heaven after conversion if we had nothing else to do in this life. But He does not take us; instead He sends us, into the highways and byways, searching for those that He would have us minister to in His name.

2. We can sow Eternity - The most eternal thing you can do is to sow into someone's life the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When you take a risk and share the love of Jesus you have given someone more than stability or blessing you have given them a future life in Heaven. Our future will eventually bring all of us to eternity in either Heaven or Hell. This will happen to everyone. Sow Eternity.

Each of us needs to sow greatly and we will reap a reward from God.

What have you sown this past week?

What have you sown into Christ's service lately?

What have you sown into other people's lives?

What have you done that matters?

Not too long ago I received an offering in the mail from someone that I knew did not have a great deal of money. I also knew that they wanted to do something that counted for Christ and I felt in my spirit that the Lord was going to bless them. Not because of their gift to us, but because of their obedience to God. They had listened to the Lord and met someone's need.

Not too long after receiving the gift I received confirmation from them that God had moved mightily in their family and answered a prayer they had been praying for quite some time. God had blessed them and they were praising Him.

God wants us to start sowing into people's lives, not just monetarily. Money is so minute. There are people around your life who need so much more than money. They need understanding, they need compassion, and they need someone to encourage them.

Most of us are in so deep; money won't help us right now. You know what I mean! We need a way out. We need a way through. We need a way around, and it only comes from Christ. We can sow for Him.

Daily Prayer Focus: Who could you bless or bring Jesus to today? Take every moment to bless and share Christ this week.

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! Pray for Keith and Joan today as they are leading an Evangelism Training School in Kenya. Praise God that He is continually opening doors for teams to Share Christ Across the Street and Around the World.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 23, 2022

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.

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Unwise Not To Consider Our Future

Unwise Not To Consider Our Future by Keith Cook

"Her uncleanness was in her skirts; She did not consider her future. Therefore she has fallen astonishingly; She has no comforter.' See, O LORD, my affliction, For the enemy has magnified himself!'" Lamentations 1:9 (NASB)

Over the past few days we have looked at facing the future, how the future is unaffected by our culture, our economy, terrorists, or our calamities and how we are supposed to trust the Lord. In Lamentations, chapter one the Bible says, "she had not considered her future." It is unwise to not consider the future when looking directly at it.

Now let's look at Jerusalem and some of the things that happened to Jerusalem when she didn't consider the future. The first thing was Jerusalem fell. She actually physically and spiritually fell.

Now if America does not consider her future, we are going to fall. If we continue to elect men and women who have no backbone, no character, who have no faith, we are going to fall.

If we continue as a public to endorse lifestyle, habits, entertainment and things of pleasure that have no glory, no profit, or no good value in them, we are going to fall. If we are going to continue to train ourselves and to train our children that money is all there is, and that's all there is to life, we are going to fall.

A few years ago our home was affected by an ice storm. We were not ready for it. We were on the road holding crusades and when we finally we home we had no electricity. I don't even think we had a can of tomato soup in our cupboard and could not have opened it even if we had because our can opener was electric.

We decided right then and there we were going to get a generator, just for normal calamities and things that could happen. We wanted to be prepared for future calamities and to consider the future.

Now I have an emergency plan that includes canned goods, water, and supplies. Our ministry now has a benevolence program and we have a truckload of food. We're not storing it up for ourselves. God says that we are supposed to consider our future and the future of others because we are all connected. What we do affects others. We are storing up supplies for others and are prepared to help all who are having needs in our area. We have no magic "Get out of Calamity" card. But we do have God's word and His assurance we are going to be able to withstand all that comes or we will be standing with Him in Heaven. Either way, we win!

Sin

It is a sin not to consider your future. Jerusalem did not consider her future and it led her into sin.

Comfortless

In Jerusalem there also was no comfort. Day after day the people were forced to work under taskmasters and were led astray by the folly of their sin. When they forgot their future there was no comfort. They forgot all the promises of God and walked by the conditions they had around them. They let their environment and the wisdom of the day rob them of their comfort from God's word and His way.

Spiritless

The Spirit was not allowed to work in Jerusalem. When people deny the power of God and do not let the Spirit move there is no hope or future. They forgot that God holds the future, not armies or Kings. Working things out in the natural became Jerusalem's strategy. They forsook the Lord.

The same is true today. When sin is rampant and we find no comfort, then we have a condition where we often deny the Spirit of God and His leading and direction.

If you don't consider your future you too may end up like Jerusalem. Jerusalem would not allow the Spirit of God to move and work. They would not look to God's provision, promises or protection.

Sometimes when we look at the future, or we choose not to look at the future, we are basically saying we like things the way they are. We don't want to change. We don't want to do anything different, and we are not going to let the Spirit of God move.

Now I'm not talking about something freaky, I'm talking about something faithful. I'm not talking about something foolish, I'm talking about something God has foreordained before the foundation of the world. God wants to work in His church. He wants to work in our culture. He wants to work in your heart. He wants to work in your family, your job, your situation and your children. He wants to work with what you have and what you have been given. God says it is a sin and it is unwise not to look at your future. Now I believe God wants us to look at the future and He doesn't want us to fall.

Precious Things Affected

The Bible says that Jerusalem also had problems with their enemies and their enemies continued to grow and would not go away. Boy, does that sound familiar. When you don't look at your future then precious things are affected by the enemy. Hold something precious close to you. Touch something precious in your room or home. The Bible says that the precious things in Jerusalem were affected because Jerusalem, the culture, and the leaders did not consider the future. All they did was work for today. Don't do that.

Joan and I not long ago decided we were going to invest our lives in younger leaders. We decided we were just going to pour out everything we had to train up a generation who can do what we do, which is evangelism.

It has cost us. We could be going around the world in style. If we didn't care about training people, helping people, and considering the future, we could be traveling across America making $5,000 an event teaching seminars on how you could feel good about yourself.

That's not what God said for us to do. He said consider the future because people are precious and they are falling away and becoming affected by the sins of this world.

Don't allow the future and our culture to affect what's precious to you. Right now God is calling us to decide what is really precious to us. Hold on to that which is holy and which God has given.

There are four things which God has given me.

He has given me a wife

He has given me a son

He has given me friends

He has given me the world

I consider them precious! God tells us to. We can't neglect them because precious things are affected by the enemy.

Worldliness

Again, in Lamentations, the Bible says that the shame about not considering your future is that worldliness enters into your religion. What does that mean? It means that God is not allowed to do what God wants to do because we have worldliness in the church.

In order to understand worldliness in the church, 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 use 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. The 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.

Our world now is a Global World. We are now all connected through the economy, politically and ideologically.

The modern church thinks that they have special insulation from worldliness. They have it all figured out. You know some of us even think we can escape worldliness. We have got God figured out and we have put God in a God box. We go to God when the forest is on fire or when times start getting tough. But, oh that we would let Christ in our religion and we would allow the Holy Spirit of God to move in our hearts and take hold of every area of our lives.

Daily Prayer Focus: Ask the Lord what He has given you. What precious things do you have in your life? Commit them to Christ. Be wise and consider how your actions going into the future affect them. Give every area of your life to Jesus and let Him take care of your precious things.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 22, 2022

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.

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Unaffected Future

Unaffected Future by Keith Cook

"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." Lamentations 3:22-24

Yesterday we began looking at key elements to consider in looking at our future. Each of these elements can lead you into great pain or great joy and excitement.

We began with "Face The Future". Now let us go on with our look at the future.

Unaffected Future

The second thing about the future is not only do we have to face the future, but we have to see that the future is unaffected by our culture, our economy, or any calamity.

Jesus said, "I Am."

What did He say? He said, "I am the same!" Wow!

In today's scripture reading, we read that the Lord is my portion. The Lord is my portion; therefore, I have hope in the economy? Oh, wait a minute that's not what it says.

I have hope in the Air National Guard? Whoa!

I have hope in the Civil Defense?

I have hope in the stockpile of food in the basement?

That's not what it says! It says "The Lord is my portion; therefore, I have my hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him. To the person who seeks Him."

Waiting and Seeking God In Our Future

Waiting and seeking are very hard for most of us to do. How can you wait on God and seek Him at the same time? How you can rest and work at the same time? How you can walk by faith and sit back and trust Him in faith?

One key to understanding this principle is to understand it is an attitude of faith and trust. We are seeking the Lord and we are waiting upon Him. We are doing all He has given us to do; yet we are trusting in Him to do all that only He can do.

God says we are supposed to face our future and our future is unaffected by our culture, the economy, international terrorists, or any calamity. Let's put our trust, faith, and hope in Him. Truly, He is our portion.

Trust In God For The Future

In Lamentations 5:19 the Word of God says, "Thou O Lord dost rule forever."

This is very important. It says, "The Lord dost rule forever; your throne is from generation to generation. Why do You forget us forever? Why do You forsake us so long? Restore us to You, O LORD, that we may be restored; renew our days as of old."

The Bible says that God really rules the church. We may feel rejected. We may feel pain. We may feel like we don't know what's coming around the corner but God does!

Beyond Today, There Is Jesus!

No matter if a terrorist strikes our city or if the power goes off for a week, Jesus is still there. If all of us are reduced to just eating beans, O please

God, don't let that happen to us, we still have our Father. But if that's all we have, then that's all we have. We still have Him. God says trust in Me for your future. He said, face the future and trust God in your future. Remember, beyond today there is Jesus.

Daily Prayer Focus: Focus on Jesus today. Put your future in His hands!

On The Go Prayer Focus: The "On The Go Daily Internet Devotions". This devotional series is read by hundreds around the World via the internet. "On The Go Daily Internet Devotions" are used to encourage, challenge, and motivate Christians in their daily walk. Pray for Keith, Joan, the On The Go Staff, and special guests as they share daily through these devotional thoughts. You can subscribe to these daily devotions via our website if you are not already a subscriber.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 21, 2022

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

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Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Face The Future

Face The Future by Keith Cook

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." Psalm 56:3, 4

Let's look into the future and ask the Lord to show us some things that will help us as we deal with the future as it comes upon us.

Do you have a couple of minutes to look into the future? The question really is will you take a couple of minutes to look into the future? If you want to look deeper into what is at hand then let us look into our future for a few moments together.

In looking at our future there are key elements to consider. Over the next few days we are going to look at each of them. Each of these elements can lead you through times of great pain or times of great joy and excitement.

Face The Future

The first thing about the future is that we have to face the future.

We have to look at the future and what is coming and be very practical. God would have us reinforce the concept of being practical by our being solid and sound.

You know a lot of us look at the future and we think, "Okay, I don't have to do anything. You know, God said that He is going to take care of me. I don't have to work. I don't care about the have needs for survival. I don't care about the hurricanes or individuals who are trying to put their lives back together. I don't care about anything. I can just sit here and I don't have to do anything because God will come down here and sprinkle the water on us and we are just not going to burn up."

Now aren't you glad that there are some people who are practical and when they hear about things like hurricanes and natural disasters they still go out and do their job and face the possibility that there may be a tomorrow. Praise God for the police and bankers and computer programmers who are living like there will be a tomorrow.

You see, God doesn't want us to be foolish, He wants us to face the facts, face the future, and do what we can do in the natural to prepare for what may be coming in the natural (what we can see) and in the supernatural (the spiritual) world. God wants us to be practical about what is going on.

I heard a story one time about a man who was living in a big canyon and this canyon was going to be flooded.

The civil defense van came driving down the road and they were announcing with loud speakers, "Hello, Hello, Anybody in there? There's a flood coming!"

The guy came out on the front porch and yelled, "I don't see a flood. It's not raining here."

The civil defense representative responded with, "But it's raining way down the stream and it's all coming this way. It's been predicted that this whole valley is going to be flooded." The homeowner angrily yells out, "I don't see any rain. It is not raining here. You're not going to come in here and rob me of my home. I'm going to stay right here." The civil defense team sadly left the man on his porch.

Slowly the river rises higher and higher. Then, all of a sudden the water was up on his porch.

Then the man thought, "You know this guy might have actually been right about this, you know it could be raining upstream. It could get a little dangerous.

So you know what he did? He went up in his attic and climbed out onto his roof. He is sitting on his roof and he's watching the water rise higher and higher.

A guy comes by in a canoe. The guy in the canoe paddles up and he paddles all the way around the house. Then he yells up to the man on the roof, "You know, I've got enough room in my canoe for you. Would you like to get in with me?" Then the homeowner responds back, "Oh no, no, no, it's not going to get too high. I'll be okay. God will take care of me. I'm a Christian. Everything's okay. God said that there's nothing that's going to come to harm me and nothing can separate me from God. I'm okay, everything is going to be okay." So, he said "See you later," and he paddles off in his canoe.

Next, a motorboat came by and a guy with a big blue light on top of it. The driver yelled out, "Hey get down off that roof and come down here." He pleaded, "I'm here to save you."

The man replied, "No, God is going to take care of me. God is going to protect me. God is going to be my strength and my source and my sufficiency. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me, and I'm not going to die in this flood."

The policeman replied, "Okay, it's your life" and then he sped off.

A little while later a helicopter comes by flying low to the ground. Over their loud speakers they say, "Hey down there. We've come to save you."

Defiantly the homeowner screams out, "I don't need any help. God's going to take care of me. Go help someone else who really needs your help."

After a while the water got so high that it is up to his neck, then over his head, and then the man actually drowns. He finds himself standing in Heaven before God and God says to him, "Come on in. I've been waiting for you. You've been a good man, I love you, and I died for you."

The guy says, "But God there's a problem. You know the Bible says I can do all things through Christ and that you will never leave me or abandon me. But, you did abandon me. You left me on that roof to drown." Then God said, "No, I did not. I sent the civil defense, the canoe, the policeman and the helicopter. You didn't take my way out."

There are some of us who God is giving some very practical, Godly wisdom in the Word, in our culture, in our society, from our husbands or from our wives. We need to listen. "Listen". We have to face the future, it's upon us. And we have to exercise faith. By exercising our faith and facing our future we might just have to work a little bit.

Daily Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you the courage to face the future with Him. Be honest and open to what is in front of you. Ask Jesus to walk beside you into your future.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The 30 Minute Radio & Podcast Program "On The Go with Keith Cook". This is a weekly program airing over the internet, short wave, and radio stations. Each week Keith relates creative ways to share Christ. Pray for Keith, Joan, the On The Go Staff, and special guests as they minister on these broadcasts. You can hear these programs via our website if it is not available in your area.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 20, 2022

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

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Thursday, September 15, 2022

Gideon Bible

Gideon Bible by Keith Cook

"Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 8:10, 11

When I first became a Christian I knew nothing about the things of God. I had not been taught about the Bible or Jesus Christ. That is not to say I did not have respect for the church or the Bible, I just did not know very much about spiritual matters.

After being a Christian for only a few weeks I knew I had to get to know Jesus in a more powerful way. I noticed that all the people at church carried Bibles, so I decided to get a Bible and see what was in it.

I can still vividly remember riding my ten speed bike out into the country and sitting down with my little red Gideon New Testament and reading the Bible for the first time. It was such fun and exciting. As often as I could I would take my trek out into the country and sit on a beautiful hillside under a shade tree and read the Word.

The more I read about God the more I was sure I had made the right decision to surrender my life to Him and become a Christian. It was during one of my times alone with God that I began to see how sin robs us of our witness for Christ and hurts our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit used these early times in the Word to get me on track for Christ.

What about you? Have you a steady and sincere desire to get into God's Word and hear from Him? You can. His desire to meet with you and share with you His will is well documented in the Bible. You can get to know God without going to Bible School or Seminary. You can even understand the Bible without being very studious. You can start small and work your way up to more scholarly status. You can read the Bible through in one year if you simply read the Bible each day for only 15 minutes! Is getting to know God worth all the effort? Yes it is! Take it from me, I've had much more joy and excitement and peace because of my time with Jesus.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for time to be with God and see Him fresh and new in His Word.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's Performing Arts Team. Pray for our team as we minister through drama, puppets, interpretive dance, and music. Our Performing Arts Teams are made up of volunteers and On The Go staffers who travel around the USA to local churches and events sharing the Good News.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 15, 2022

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

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Wednesday, September 14, 2022

What is Your Role?

What is Your Role? By Laurie McTier

"And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." Luke 10:33-35

In today's devotion, we will dig in deeper into the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, the Levite and the priest saw an obstacle in their path and they crossed over to the other side of the road. They went on about their agendas. They didn't care about the injured and they didn't take time to find out his need. They didn't want to be involved. The Samaritan, though he was considered by many to be an outcast himself, saw the need, and ran to help.

The Samaritan was moved with compassion and went the extra mile. His service went way beyond the call of duty. He jumped down off of his donkey, bandaged up the injured, placed him on his donkey, and brought him to safety. But, he didn't stop there. He made extra provisions for the man. He was going to come back in a few days and take care of the rest of the expenses that were entailed. Truly his ministry was motivated by the love of God.

As I looked up the definition of mercy, I found that mercy means a) to ease distress or pain; b) to be compassionate, forgiving and kind especially towards one who has offended you. As I read this definition of mercy I immediately thought of the Good Samaritan. He ran to meet the needs of the injured. He took the challenge and took time out of his busy schedule, and made sure that every need was supplied.

When you see a need, what is your response? There can only be two responses to needs around you.

1. You can look the other way and not get involved.

2. You can actively run to the point of their need and reach out in love with compassion.

What challenge does God have for you today?

Who would God have you to minister to?

Daily Prayer Focus: Ask God to take the veil from your eyes and allow you to see the needs of those around you.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 14, 2022

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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Tuesday, September 13, 2022

God's Refinery

God's Refinery by Keith Cook

"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" Malachi 3:3

"If you will give God your right to yourself, He will make a holy experiment out of you. God's experiments always succeed." Oswald Chambers

Our staff has been refined after reflecting on this story several months ago.

AS A REFINER OF SILVER

Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable truth that God is our Silversmith and works to purify and refine our lives.

One lady decided to visit a silversmith and then she prepared a report to share with the others what he said about the subject. Without telling him the reason for her visit, she begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver.

After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?" "Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith, "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly; because, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?" "That's quite simple", replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished. "

Meditate on these scriptures and see what God says to your heart. Read each scripture. Seek God's insight for you today. He will refine you as you meditate on His Word.

These are some powerful and timely words for today: Acts 20:24, 2 Corinthians 12:15, John 21:7, John 17:4

Daily prayer focus: Pray for God to refine you and let others see Jesus in you.

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 September 13, 2022

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, September 12, 2022

God Answers Prayers

God Answers Prayers by Joan Cook

"So God heard their groaning...and took notice of them" Exodus 2:24, 25

Recently, I made a telephone call to Jamaica to speak with a pastor friend of ours. They are both fairly small in number, but big in spirit. We have had the privilege to work with this pastor for a several years and we have seen first hand his love, dedication, and commitment to the Lord and His work on the island.

While speaking with me recently, he told me that things were very tight financially and he was trusting God to supply enough money week by week for things like electricity and water at both churches and money for gasoline as he traveled back and forth.

Several days past and our office received a check in the mail for $266.00 from a church who had been on our mission trip with On The Go to Jamaica. The youth had gotten this money together and wanted us to send it for Jamaica and the church's needs. I immediately called the pastor and told him I would be federal expressing him a check for $266.00 and he should receive it the next day. Pastor then told me that the Lord had led him to fast and pray for three days for this need. He said, "Sister Joan, I did not know how God was going to supply this need for my churches, but I was confident that He would do it and I felt like God was telling me to fast and pray for this need to be met." Wow, my heart rejoices as we see God's hand specifically at work as we pray for specific needs!

It never surprises me that God comes through when we need Him to, but sometimes it does surprise me at just how He does it. Like all of us, we can approach His throne boldly and confidently knowing that He hears our prayers and has our best interest at heart. Sometimes it may mean that we need to fast and earnestly seek His face. Other times it may mean that we need to let our need be known. Every time and every situation is different, but God is always the same. He will remain faithful and true and He will continue working on our behalf!

I am so very glad that I serve a God that is alive and hears me when I call on Him!

Daily Prayer Focus: Thank Him today for hearing us, caring for us, and working on your behalf!

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 September 12, 2022

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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Sunday, September 11, 2022

9-11-01

9-11-01 by Keith Cook

"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." Psalm 9:9,10

The date says it all. The act is beyond description. The pain is unspeakable. The memory non-eraseable.

What can we do to honor the memory of those who died? What lesson can we learn that will give us hope and courage for the future?

Honor

There are so many vivid pictures in most of our minds of those who gave their lives for total strangers.

Pictures of those who risked their lives and helped rescue the troubled.

I will never forget President Bush comforting the families of those who lost lives and boldly stating we were at war with terrorism. It touched my heart when he stood up at Ground Zero and comforted the firemen who were digging up the remains of friends and co-workers.

Nor will I soon forget the Chaplain who rushed into the horrible Twin Towers area to help. He did not know he was rushing into eternity.

It has been said that in this tragedy America was actually in it's finest hour.

The brave young father and husband who said, "let's roll" did not know he would bring tears of pride and commitment to millions who heard of his heroic efforts at saving hundreds of lives in Washington.

The firefighters who knew they were rushing into almost certain death had no way of knowing that overnight they would be heroes to millions of boys and girls all over America.

Billy Graham had no idea that he would be presenting Christ to the whole world and reaching the largest audience of his entire life as he comforted our nation the day after the terrorist attack. He was the world's pastor at that moment in time.

To the thousands of people who rushed in to help with more financial support than has ever been raised in the history of philanthropy they did so not knowing that their small donations would really help as much as it did.

To the millions of people who stayed up to pray and who often wept without knowing why.

To all these you are my heroes!

Lessons

1. God cares for every person. We may feel His love and care more when there is great stress and tremendous need, but He has always been there. We just did not notice.

2. God will use anyone who listens to Him as an instrument of His love and care.

3. The Devil and those who are led by evil will try to destroy anything good and godly.

4. By working together we can accomplish so much more than by ourselves.

5. We all really do need each other.

6. While it is great to be tolerant, it is also quite obvious who speaks with love and who really speaks for peace and equality. Christians!

7. We must be bold and take a stand for what is right, moral, just, and holy.

If we do not take our stand as Christians we will be destroyed by humanism, secularism, greed, radical religions, and selfishness. We cannot sit idly by and let the press, the media, liberal politicians, or other cultures dictate our lives. God has a standard and a plan for each of us. We must follow it daily.

When and if terror again strikes near to home, or even in any of our lives, we will have the courage and faith to continue. Hope is in Christ. Faith is in God's plan for us. This life, while fantastic, is only temporary. God will see us through.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for America, Pray for our individual and personal fight against terror. Pray for all those who lost loved ones around the world because of evil men and evil plans. Pray for justice and an end to terrorism.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's Neighborhood Outreach Program. In reality, very little is being done to reach people in many communities across the USA. On The Go is striving to train local Christians and help them develop programs that can systematically and permanently reach real needs in their neighborhoods.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 11, 2022

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

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Saturday, September 10, 2022

Has Our Nation Sinned?

Has Our Nation Sinned? by Keith Cook

"Jerusalem has sinned greatly and so has become unclean. All who honor her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness..." Lamentations 1:8

In Lamentations chapter one, verse eight it states that Jerusalem sinned greatly. Jerusalem had sinned greatly, just like our nation has sinned greatly. There are a lot of things in our country that I'm proud of, and there's a lot of things I just know the Lord looks down on and cries over.

Let us look at some good:

Praise God for the compassion of most people.

Praise God for the strong military.

Praise God for the numerous athletic and social outlets we have in America.

Praise God for the hundreds of volunteers that help the needy all over the world.

Praise God for the churches in America.

Now some of the shames:

God forgive us for the pornography that is rampant not just in shady little movie houses, but that has moved into our homes through the internet.

God forgive us for the entertainment industry's focus on sex, violence and greed.

God forgive us for drugs, alcohol, gambling and prostitution in America.

God forgive us for the abuse and neglect of children.

God forgive us for the battered wives and divorce epidemic in our land.

God forgive us for our cultural and social morals that have helped confuse young boys and men into homosexual lifestyles and our girls and women into lesbian relationships.

God forgive us for teachers and scholars who promote godless and humanistic theories of living and indoctrinate our youth.

God forgive us for the hundreds of years of cultural prejudice against the Chinese, Hispanic, African and European immigrants.

The Bible not only says that Jerusalem sinned greatly, but in verse nine, it says that "Her uncleanliness was in her skirts, she did not consider her future. Therefore, she has fallen astonishingly. She has no Comforter. See O Lord my affliction, for the enemy has magnified itself. Precious things have been overthrown. The nations have entered her sanctuary."

The Bible says, "Is it nothing to all you who pass this way? Look and see if there is any pain like my pain." Lamentations 1:12 In looking at the future I don't think the Lord wants us to look at the future with pain, I think that He wants us to look at the future with gain. He wants us to look and see what He has for us in the Word of God.

God wants us to repent of past sins and look to our future with Him. America, God wants you to repent, return to God, and share His love to those around the world. We have a future because we stand for what is right. Now let us not just stand for right but actually do right.

Daily prayer focus: Ask God to give you the courage to be a godly citizen of your country and to be an ambassador for Heaven this week.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's GoKids Clubs. The focus of GoKids Clubs is to present a clear Gospel message to young children in our festivals, missions, and local neighborhoods. Pray for On The Go as we minister to boys and girls and share with them the love of Jesus Christ.

On The Go Daily Devotional for September 10, 2022

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, September 8, 2022

Good and Evil

Good and Evil by Keith Cook

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, "Today there are once more saints and villains. Instead of the uniform grayness of the rainy day, we have the black storm cloud and the brilliant lightning flash. Outlines stand out with exaggerated sharpness."

As we are right in the middle of a rather somber and reflective time in the United States, I am reminded that we as Christians are in a great position to reinforce our message of love and absolute values. We must take a clear message of Christ out into the marketplace and into the public arena.

On talk shows, newspapers, emails, comments to friends and co-workers we must remain level headed and not allow the enemy to blur the lines between good and evil. Most North Americans have an easy time reverting back to a neutral, let everyone just get along mentality. Recently, I was at lunch with some good friends who basically said that we as Christians have no right to actively participate in our cultural debates. They thought we should let majority rule and quietly go along with the status quo.

One evening I decided to turn on the Fox Network news channel, which I normally watch and like the fairness of the coverage. This one particular evening, I began to hear Mr. O'Reilly spout off how narrow minded and backward thinking Christians are to believe the Bible as it relates to history and morals in American culture. He actually said we should let our God directed mandates against sexual practices slide in favor of being fair to children who need a home and have no where to go except to be adopted by two homosexual men. He implied we were not Christian because we would rather have a child in foster care than in a gay home.

Wow, and woe! My wife recently shared with me that she read a report that most Christian teens, 91%, do not believe in moral absolutes. That is why a Christian young person can be in church on Sunday and then be at a party smoking pot or drinking to get drunk on Saturday. That is why a seminary student can attend church and minister on weekends and at the same time have sexual relations with someone in his or her congregation. That is why teens can read the Bible everyday and go see movies promoting anti-Christian agendas. That is why a teenage girl can sing in the choir on Wednesday night and have a tattoo with her boyfriend's name on it put on her hip on Friday night.

We must do better at standing for what is right and representing a true picture of what God requires from a true believer in Christ. God has allowed most of the pagan, lost world to see evil face to face and they did not like what they saw. While Osama Ben Laden was not all the evil in the world, he was used by God to wake most of us up. God does not make people do evil. He did not desire that tragedy would strike all those innocent people who died on September 11, nor the thousands to lose their homes through the effects of recent natural disasters. Yet He did allow it. Why? He said in the Bible that there would always be evil in the world. He said there would always be the needy in the world. Why? Because there will always be sin in the world. There also will always be at least one true believer in the world who can correctly and properly demonstrate the love of God in any situation. Whether it be in a flood, famine, feast, or festival. We can be that one who can rise and really speak for God.

We must be a reflection of the real Christ with answers to real problems.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for the wisdom you will need this week to represent Christ to all your friends and for open doors to minister.

On The Go Prayer Focus: 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.

On The Go Daily Devotions for September 8, 2022

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

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Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Is Evangelism Possible Today

Is Evangelism Possible Today by Keith Cook

I don't care about my own life. The most important thing is that I finish my work. I want to finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do-to tell people the Good News about God's grace. Acts 20:24 (New Century Version -NCV)

Editors Note: This devotion is longer than usual and comes from an article that Keith was asked to write for the Mission America Coalition on Proclamation Evangelism Today. Thanks for your support of On The Go Ministries, the Keith Cook Team, and Proclamation Evangelism.

Modern day proclamation evangelism and personal outreach methods are very effective and extremely creative. Every day someone dreams up a new way to share Jesus with someone else; a new iPhone app, a clever gospel booklet, an innovative and fresh way to draw teens to listen in mass at a soccer stadium. It is a very exciting time to be involved in and championing evangelism.

Yet many who are not actively involved in evangelism understand or appreciate the complexities of the ministry of proclamation or personal evangelism. The occasional abuses by some well meaning yet short sighted practitioner of evangelism have been magnified and demonized to try to put a damper on the fires of evangelism. But the fire still burns in the heart of every true believer to do the work of the evangelist. Even if they do not know how, or why, they still know they should, and if God was willing they could do whatever He wanted them to do in evangelism.

When you say the word evangelism today many people laugh at you, criticize you, or pity you. And when you say proclamation evangelism the scorn, pity, and head shaking is even more intense. But the ministry of proclamation evangelism has a very royal and strategic place in God's redemptive plan for man. Many well meaning believers, pastors, bloggers, and even educators are culturally piling on to bury the ministry of proclamation evangelism in our modern culture.

They say it is outdated, old fashioned, culturally insensitive, not effective, shallow, not worth the time - money - energy. They believe that the churches resources and energies could be better spent just loving on people and living right. Yet deep down, in any real servant leader of Christ, there is a spiritual discernment that just loving others and living right will not be enough to fulfill the great commission. In fact by just living right and loving people we will be in danger of not producing modern day disciples of Christ but will produce lazy Christians who lack wisdom and discernment, and are neglecting the real needs of others around them, running the risk of living well below God's will for their lives.

Often critics of proclamation evangelism are hiding behind fear, laziness, lack of knowledge, loss of first love, and the sin of disobedience to not do or help with proclamation evangelism. Let's face it, doing evangelism correctly takes work. It is easier to play church with believers than to actively confront the lost secular mindset. It is difficult to run headlong into political correctness, humanism, intellectualism, and tolerance every minute of every day. It is easier to sit around praising God, running from one Jesus party to the next. It is more "soulishly" exciting to do good works and feel good about oneself afterward. There is great pride in building up ones Biblical knowledge to know something that someone else does not know. But all the human, soulish, and possibly even at times, carnal, expressions of doing ministry do not proclaim Christ publicly.

But it is also sobering to be reminded that not everyone believes in Christ. It is even more sobering to realize that, contrary to public opinion, or a Gallop Poll, not believing in Jesus really does result in someone not going to Heaven. Saying that is not being bigoted, judgmental, using hate speech, or being mean spirited. It is being Biblical and it is the foundation of the Gospel message, and based on eternal truth. Wishing, voting, forgetting, avoiding, neglecting, hoping, or pretending does not make the reality go away.

As a proclamation evangelist and trainer of proclamation evangelists, I can honestly say that I know that evangelism is not done, nor should it be done, one particular way. Doing evangelism is not always effective using one particular method. There is a time and place for: One On One Evangelism, Local Church Evangelism, Event Evangelism, Personal Evangelism, Friendship Evangelism, Mass Evangelism, Proclamation Evangelism, Sports Evangelism, Music, Arts, Drama, Street, Door To Door, Prayer, Neighborhood, Inner City, Community wide, Social Evangelism, Acts Of Kindness - Season Of Service - GoCare - Compassion, Affinity Evangelism, Marketplace Evangelism, Social Media Evangelism, Literature Evangelism, Media Evangelism, Long Term Evangelism, Short Term Evangelism, Crisis Evangelism, Divine Appointment Evangelism, Targeted Evangelism (age, gender), and many more expressions or techniques to mention.

The key to doing effective proclamation evangelism today is:

1. Deciding to do proclamation evangelism as a part of a total ministry and outreach program

2. Constantly seeking the right way to proclaim the Good News (some old, some new methods)

3. Prayerfully asking God for the right time, place, and anointing to effectively share the Gospel

What You Could Do!

Demonstrate the right way to do every kind of evangelism you do.

Explain your reasons, motives, expectations, plans, and long term benefits and followup plans.

Practice and be prepared ahead of time.

Do not take anything for granted or assume anything.

Do not take the easy way out or skip any necessary elements in doing evangelism right.

Use proven methods, ministries, ministers, artists, athletes, materials.

Once you have earned the right to be heard - say something!

Whatever you say, make it worth hearing. Whatever you sing, make it worth listening to. Whatever you perform, make it worth watching.

Never take the cheap way out when it comes to safety, reputation, or effectiveness.

Never waste funds, resources, or opportunities.

Daily Prayer Focus: Proclamation Evangelism Across the Globe. Pray for Evangelists and their Families that God will continue to give them visions and dreams, strength, resources, protection, and boldness. Pray for the Lost that they see their URGENT Need for Jesus Christ.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The Development Ministries of On The Go. This ministry team helps On The Go stay on the go! Many individuals want to make an investment in eternity through On The Go Ministries. Through their wills, trusts, monthly electronic funds transfers, donations of stocks, and planned giving they do just that. If you are interested in helping On The Go take the Gospel around the world through your giving and financial support please let them know. Visit OnTheGo.org for details.

On The Go Daily Devotional for September 7, 2022

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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Tuesday, September 6, 2022

The Art Of Evangelism

The Art Of Evangelism by Keith Cook

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1

"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. " 2 Timothy 4:5

There is an art to evangelism. Just like there are different levels of appreciation for artistic masters so are there different levels of appreciation for evangelism.

Some people just do not get evangelism. If you were to survey a good cross section of Christians about their views of evangelism you would get as many views and opinions as you would by asking them their views of a certain politician. They may think evangelism is outdated, simplistic, out of touch, culturally irrelevant, offensive or counter productive.

Others see evangelism as being anything and everything a Christian does. For them anything goes. Under the guise of evangelism they will try every method, every tool, every form of evangelism. Nothing is off limits nor is anything judged too critically because it is "evangelism" or "They did this at XYZ Church and it worked so we have got to try it."

More see evangelism as a command, task, rule, job, or obligation that must be done. So come what may they will do whatever is required or expected of them to do evangelism. They may not like the methods or value the results yet they will do it because "our pastor is into evangelism."

In reality, evangelism, can and is, almost all of the observations mentioned. It can be offensive and an obligation at the same time. In some situations proclamation evangelism and even personal evangelism can appear to be culturally irrelevant. At times evangelistic expression is overly focused on being sensitive to heart felt needs and at times appear to not be concerned at all.

The real heart of the matter is threefold:

1. Not focusing on evangelism but on the need to convey Christ to someone. (The Art Critic)

2. Preparing the one doing the evangelism (The artist) by observations, prayer, desire, love, ideas, insights, discussions, and the Bible.

3. Properly painting the subject of the masterpiece (Jesus Christ). How we communicate or express Jesus Christ so that others can really see and experience a unique aspect of Him is what we truly can call evangelism.

There really is an art to evangelism. Are you an artist? Yes you are! Go paint a picture of Christ today.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that today, others will see a unique aspect of Christ at work in you! Pray for Divine Appointments as Jesus Christ - the Masterpiece- is at work in your midst.

On The Go Prayer Focus: 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.

On The Go Daily Devotional for September 6, 2022

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, September 5, 2022

Get Back To Work

Get Back To Work by Keith Cook

"Six days you shall do thy work..." Exodus 23:12

God often gives us tasks to do for Him that are nothing more than tests of our character or faith building exercises. God loves us and wants us to be happy, but He also wants us to grow up spiritually. He longs for us to eat the meat of His word and to desire to do great things for Him.

Today (Labor Day in the USA) will be with family and friends. We will swim in the swimming pool, and eat the best meals we have had in weeks. We will have fancy deserts with homemade ice cream. We will probably talk about every thing from politics to cars, and it will be a full day.

The time with my family and friends will be fun, but by the end of the day, I will be ready to get back to work. I long to be On The Go for Jesus. I get uneasy with too much rest and time off.

I think all Christians feel this way when they have been taking it easy and resting in the goodness of God and not actually working for Him. There comes a time when we know that we are now ready to go back to work. There are times when we need to sit down and soak up all the goodness of God but there always comes the time when the Master stands up and says, "Now it is time to go back to work!"

Why not work for Jesus this week. Take each day as a call and a challenge to do something for God. Jesus will use you. Jesus will guide you. Jesus will strengthen you. Just do the work He gives you.

Daily Prayer Focus: Thank God for a day to work for Him.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The GoAudio Podcasts and Radio Ministries. Currently we are producing various programs which go over the internet and international airwaves. Pray that God will continue to bless the On The GoAudio Podcasts and that He will expand the listening base. Visit OnTheGo.org to hear past broadcasts.

On The Go Daily Devotional for September 6, 2022

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.

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Enough Is Enough

Enough Is Enough by Keith Cook

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world." 1 Peter 5:8-9 NASB

Most of us know the story of David and Goliath. It is a very "large" example of how to live by faith and trust in God's faithfulness.

For forty days the Philistine champion, Goliath, has come before the army of Saul and challenged them to a one on one - winner take all - fight. Since Goliath was a huge giant, and fierce fighter, Saul's mighty men were hesitant and fearful of facing him alone.

Forty days is a long time to listen and endure the taunts of the devil. Many of us have lived a long time with a giant looming before us. Always clouding our path, always impeding our joy.

We have made valiant efforts to rid ourselves of this sin, shortcoming, or situation - but this giant always seems to rise again. All the while Jesus has won the victory for us. Already assured of a safe & secure path to success, why do we wait, why do we not run to His side for His plan?

Beating oneself up over failure & shortcomings is not God's way to victory. Running to the battle, slaying the giant, proclaiming the Word of the Lord are all byproducts of having total confidence in God's revealed will and plan.

We only know what to do, what to try, what to avoid, how to respond, by surrendering our will and responses to Him.

Listening, learning, loving, and living IN Christ will slay the giants in our lives. Riding in the palm of His hand will give us a front row seat to His victory over our giants.

Daily Prayer: Lord, Today, we lay our giants at your feet. Give us Boldness, Strength, and Faith as together we run to battle, slay the giant, and proclaim the Word of the Lord.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for September 4, 2022

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.