Practice God's Presence

 Practice God's Presence by Keith Cook Jr.

"Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus...Stay away from every kind of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-23

I read a book recently titled, "Practicing The Presence of God," by Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence was a cook in a monastery three hundred years ago. This cook was able to continually practice the presence of God day and night. No matter what he was doing, he was always in God's presence.

When asked his secret for constantly practicing the presence of God, Brother Lawrence said that everything he did was out of love for the Lord. Regardless of if he was sweeping the floor or talking to a friend, he would always do it out of love for the Father.

I think Brother Lawrence was able to realize, like so many of us can not, that God loves us more than we could ever imagine. For this we truly owe Him our every thought. Brother Lawrence is one of the greatest examples of someone practicing the presence of God that has ever lived.

It helps me to know that it is possible, in a world that seems to be falling farther and farther away from God, to do all that we do out of love for God. His life and example have made a tremendous impact on my life since I read his book. I hope that his example will encourage you to start practicing the presence of God no matter what your circumstances are, or where you may be, or what you may be doing.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that you will practice the presence of God this week. Live above your circumstances.

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 Devotional for November 4, 2022

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

Copyright (c) 2003, 2022, 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.

Is There A Pounding On The Door

 Is There A Pounding On The Door by Keith Cook Sr.

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Romans 3:28

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Romans  5:1

October 31 is traditionally seen as Reformation Day all across the Christian world. This day is a day to remember what Martin Luther did long ago to stir the church to re-examine the real nature of faith and the real place of the church in the lives of believers.

You might say that the organized church, the church visible, was "born again" that day.

One of the reasons the church had to be reborn was brought to the attention of Luther ironically due to the building of a church that was being built to honor Peter. The very man  who's statement that Christ was truly the Son of God would lead to the building of His real church, the church invisible, and that this - spiritual - universal - eternal - church would never be defeated.

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."  Matthew 16:18

Back in 1517 the church had lost its way. To raise funds for completing St. Peter's Basilica in Rome many clergy told their congregants that in order to have their sins forgiven, and those of their relatives, they had to give money to the church. When the people gave  they would receive written "pardons" or writs of indulgences that basically said they were now forgiven of their sins and would go to Heaven when they died.

As the world tried to slip deceptively into the church through the side door - God was getting ready to do something at the front door.

Luther was a professor at the University of Wittenberg, Germany and began to actually read the Bible. He was fascinated by the New Testament. His studies and attention was often drawn to the Book of Romans. As the Spirit was being quenched on the altar of expedience by the religious leaders of the day, God was moving in Luther's heart.

On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther posted a ninety-five point theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This posting was actually a declaration of his intent to debate the theological merits of indulgences. Luther had been led by the Holy Spirit in his study, in his heart, and during his worship and prayer that man was justified by faith alone, and that every man was a priest before God. This theological insight of justification by faith and the priesthood of all believers, while foreign to the thoughts of the day, were actually the foundational truth of the New Testament.  He knew that the church was not following the Bible and that it needed to be reformed to what God intended it to be.

His pounding on the door of that church resulted in more than he bargained for. He only wanted to warn the church, and clean up their theology. He did not know that God was going to plant the seeds in him and move him to do the deeds that would result in a massive refocusing of the church back to the Word of God. He used Martin Luther to teach and champion theology and practice that was based on that word and not the traditions of man or the church.

Many of the great reforms that came out of the Reformation are the very same doctrines and practices that the Christian church needs to be reminded of afresh and anew today.  There needs to be a great pounding on the doors of our modern church that causes all to awaken from slumber and re-emerge as a movement, a people, a church, that is alive and moving under the direction of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God and for the purposes of Christ.

There are 5 Latin phrases that make up what is called the "Solas". These five Solas were the rallying cry of the reformers. They put up with scorn, ridicule, torture, massive peer pressure, economic hardships, rejection, excommunication, and many gave their lives to bring the church back to a true Biblical foundation.(https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/the-five-solas-of-the-protestant-reformation.html)

The Solas -  "By Scripture alone (only), by grace alone (only), by Christ alone (only), by faith alone (only), and to God be the glory alone (only)!"

1. Sola scriptura "by Scripture alone"

Like during the reformation days of Luther you too are to live by Scripture alone. There is no other authority, book, or teaching that should direct your lives other than the Word of God.

2. Sola fide "by faith alone"

You are made right (justified) by faith alone. While faith in good works, these works do not make you right with God. Baptism, communion, membership, the church, priests, no external or internal force or factor brings about salvation.

3. Sola gratia  "by grace alone"

It is by God's grace alone that you can be saved. It is "unmerited favor" with God by way of Jesus shed blood on Calvary that brings about your eternal security. It is God's gift to you, that is not earned by works or precepts.

4. Solo Christo "through Christ alone"

Jesus is the only mediator you need between you and God. Priests, saints, angels, ministers, teachers, may all be important to you, your church life and your personal ministry, but do not and should not, be allowed to come between you and your relationship with God.

5. Soli Deo gloria "glory to God alone"

You and I are not worthy of any glory or praise. Jesus did it all - He came - lived - died - rose again. He paid the price, submitted his life, and made the ultimate sacrifice to bring sanctification to everyone. You are called a saint because of what He has done for you and because of what He will do through you. You are holy only due to the power of the Holy Spirit living in your life.  You are to not praise mankind, but praise the Lord who is the author and perfecter of your faith.

Is God Pounding On The Door Again?

Right now - I pray that the Holy Spirit is pounding on the door of your heart, mind, and spirit His theses. There will probably be more than 95 things He will direct you to examine and hand over to His leadership and direction. God wants you to live a reformers life and have a reformation mindset. God will use you to share the Good News, teach the Word of the Lord, and to minister as a passionate servant leaders in these strategic days.

What can you do?

1.  Like Luther - get in the Word of God - read it yourself! Do not let others interpret the Word for you. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.

2.  Know what you believe and be convinced of it - Study the Word and never stop learning! It may sound illogical, but by your committing to never stop reading, sharing, asking, discussing,  or questioning God's Word actually guarantees you that you will become convinced of what is really true.

3.  Take the time to pray, praise, worship, and relax with your Creator. The spiritual disciplines are not for a season but for all seasons of life. God brings wisdom and clarity as you mature. While the eyes may fade with time - the mysteries of God get clearer as you spend more time with Him. Luther said that there were two things that helped him fight, "Theology and Music"!  When you know what you believe you have the courage to fight for God but when you have His song on your heart you have the will to fight no matter what may come.

4. Do not be afraid to stand alone - even if culture, the religious, family, friends, or foes all rise up against God's principles and Word, you must stand with Him. You may be called on to do some pounding on the doors of many cultural sacred cows and before some intellectual giants, but God will be with you. His Holy Spirit will illuminate and direct you.

5. Always do what you know to do - no matter if there is praise or perils. Doing what God puts before you to do is key to seeing mighty moves of God all around you. It may seem small or insignificant but so was nailing a paper to a church door!

Get out your hammer and get ready. Take out your pin and prepare to write. Take out your Bible and begin to study.

Is that a pounding I hear at the door?

(I wrote this for my son, Keith Cook Jr. He is such an inspiration to me. He has a passion for Christ that amazes me. He is not living off his dad's faith - He is living with the same faith. He has his own unique personal Sola experience - but I see the same Word, Faith, Grace, Christ, and desire to give God the Glory. As Christ pounded on my heart and wrote on my heart what I was to champion - so is He writing on His. )

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for your local church body and Christians worldwide that we will return to our roots and the biblical foundations that are near to the heart of God: Scripture, Faith, Grace, Christ, and God to be Glorified.

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 November 3, 2022

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

Copyright (c) 2003, 2022 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.

Perfect Peace

 Perfect Peace by Joan Cook

"Peace, I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

Recently, I was driving down the road and noticed an airplane making it's approach to land. I couldn't help but notice that even though it was a cloudy and windy day, the airplane seemed to be flying smoothly. Because I have flown many times, I knew that even though the plane may look like it's flying smoothly, more than likely, the passengers were experiencing a little turbulence on their landing approach, due to the weather.

Isn't that a lot like life? We may look at someone else's life and conclude that everything looks great from the outside, when in fact, their life may be filled with turbulence on the inside. In fact, you may be the person that everyone thinks has it all together, when on the inside, you fill like you are falling apart.

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ has given us His peace. Not the kind of peace that the world can give, but the peace that passes understanding. In your turbulent situations, do not let your heart be troubled! Choose today to accept His peace into your life. 

Daily Prayer Focus: Praise God for the perfect peace which can only come from God, our Father.

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 November 2, 2022

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

Copyright (c) 2003, 2022 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.

Questions For Modern Ministers

 Questions For Modern Ministers by Keith Cook

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears..." 2 Timothy 4:3 

I have a few questions for modern day ministers, preachers, evangelists, and Christian workers. I will address each question to a particular style of expression of ministers on the scene in today's modern church culture. The category terms are used by the secular and religious media to describe certain types of ministers.

My reason for stating each category or type of minister in a general way is so we can see strengths and weaknesses, value and dangers, of each manifestation of leader without getting off on personalities and individuals. Character assassination is never "Christian" and should not be tolerated in any of today's ministers. 

I do not have the right to correct or rebuke an individual without first going to the individual, praying with the person, and examining the scriptures in their presence in order to come to Godly conclusions and allow for restitution, resolution, and reconciliation. Then the Bible teaches that if the matter is not resolved then I am to bring it before the leaders of the church to try to go and do the same thing. Going public with my impressions and dislikes about another Christian is not Biblical. I fear much of our speaking on the radio, debating on the television, blogging on the internet, and publishing in books that names other Christians by name that we disagree with is counter productive to restoration and lasting revival in the church. Getting into camps and defending positions does not promote the Gospel but does cause division. 

Here are my questions and observations:

1. Faith Healers 

Is it really a lack of faith that keeps people from being healed or could it be that God gives mercy and grace even to those in sickness and health? What of the men and women mentioned in Hebrews who lived by faith, but had all kinds of misfortunes and even lost their lives? Could it be that the Bible teaches us to trust God in whatever state we live in? Wearing glasses, going to the doctor, taking medicine, praying for healing, and trusting God are all modern expressions of faith, not just being healed. Faith without works is dead. Presuming on God is not faith but folly. Hearing from God and believing the Word of God leads to faith and assurance. 

Having preached around the world and seen God move others to faith in Christ as well as seeing God move in the area of healing has led me to understand the heart of those who have a gifting in the area of healing. I also know that there are millions of people who have faith, live right, are going to Heaven, who live their lives with certain infirmities and external situations that they have no control of. I have seen God heal the blind, provide funds, jobs, restore marriages and so much more. But I have also seen Him give peace to families who have just lost a loved one, comfort to those whose spouses never return, and deliverance by medicine and time.

2. Prosperity Preachers

Does it really make one more spiritual to be rich? Are God's riches for this world or are they spiritual in nature? The Bible teaches that God has a portion for each of us. God does not want us to live below the portion or provision He has for us, but this is not the same thing as claiming riches and demanding God provide desires and soulish impressions. 

God does want to bless us. He wants to give us good gifts. His riches are everlasting and His benefits are astonishing. In Biblical times Jesus taught slaves how to live right even while being slaves. He did not promote slavery but did not tell slaves to just give all their money away and they will be a master too. He taught them how to live for God in whatever state they found themselves. He taught fishermen how to let down their nets for a catch that blessed them with great temporary wealth but then later asked them to give it all up and come follow him. He told them they would not have a place to rest, live a hard life, even loose their life. That does not sound to prosperous to me - yet it made them the richest men in history. Wow, God's view of prosperity is being in the center of His provision for us. What a great place to be. Knowing that God will provide is much better than trying to get rich and do it all on your own strength.

3. Relational Ministers

Just making friends for Jesus sounds good but does just being an example result in someone knowing the truth, hearing the truth and actually coming to faith in Christ. Jesus commanded us all to go into all the world and preach, teach, baptize, bless, help, and inspire everyone. God has given all of us friends, opportunities, and situations that are a part of His divine plan for reaching all mankind with the message of Christ. If we fail to share the good news and simply wait until they are inspired by our life they may actually already be in the next life that would be in Hell. 

4. Bible Thumpers

Jesus used stories, parables, examples, and love to share the message of salvation. Just knowing certain passages and forcing them on people does not result in salvation. Many simply agree with the message in order to get away from the messenger. Beating people up in Jesus name is not Good News, it is spiritual assault and battery and can result in disillusioned adults who obeyed commands earlier in life, but had no joy and abandon the faith.

5. Social Gospel Advocates

Just sharing a cup of water in Jesus name will not get people into Heaven. You can clean up a life, heal a body, comfort an emotional being, and give a hand up to all who have a need and still end up with respectable, healthy, happy, educated, and emotionally stable lost people. You must share the rest of the story. Jesus came to save sinners - who even the most educated and blessed are counted as! It may sound old fashioned but it is part of the whole Gospel.

6. Motivational Speakers

Positive thinking and feeling good about yourself and having a healthy self-esteem are vital to being a well balanced individual but being positive does not negate the fact that we are not basically good people - we are by nature and choice sinners. At our core there is the proof of our real state. Left to our own devices we do not get better. Education, wealth, power and position do not guarantee goodness - only self-righteousness. It is not what I think that is important but rather what God thinks of me. Only in Christ am I complete. It is only by repentance and dependence on Him that I can soar on wings like an eagle. It is not enough to be inspired by devotional preaching and the politically correct socially acceptable tickling of my emotions and soul - I need the truth. I need to hear the Word! I need to know what God says about everything! 

7. Intellectual Teachers

Boring a generation with our knowledge or getting rational consent to premises is not Biblical salvation. It is not the law or even our understanding of the Word that brings life. It is Christ, drawing us by the power of the Holy Spirit that brings us to a place of repentance and acceptance of the claims of Christ. The emotions, joys, and relationships of life are all a vital part of knowing the fullness of Christ. God uses the combination of the intellect, the power of the Word of God, the encouragement of the saints, the filling of the Holy Spirit, and the daily presence of the Lord to motivate us to live and mature in Christ.  

My wife, Joan, is a fantastic teacher of the Word. She spends over 40 hours preparing her lessons. She then is able to bring the Word to life. She is energetic, passionate, tender, and still very evangelistic and open to the moving of the Spirit. This kind of expression of the gift of the teacher is needed today. Not just the scholar who thinks they are better than others or knows something that most will never grasp. We need to know the Word, Share the Word, and Live the Word. Getting the Word out is so needed but not by Intellectual snobs. 

8. Judgmental Prophets

Calling another minister a devil is not spiritual. Yelling at people as they enter meetings or screaming at them as they walk down the sidewalk that they are going to hell is not an effective way to win someone to Christ. 

Knocking other forms of evangelism because they are fresh, modern, effective, or simply another way to get to the Word out is not Biblical. Jesus and the apostles used all forms of evangelism available in that day. 

To some they shared one on one, others in small groups and some were relational while some were sensational. 

Many shared with their families and friends while some dared go to the untouchables of their day. 

God used mass evangelism, church programs, one on one, and divine appointments. 

Some were challenged by Paul to look to the unknown God, whiles some were rebuked for being hypocrites. Some would say one method was "God has a wonderful plan for your life" and the other was "Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand'!  One would be consider a soft approach while the other more confrontational. God used both. He still does today. Neither way left out any of the essential elements of coming to Christ. God just used the Holy Spirit to lead the messenger in what to say and when. 

We need to stop judging others and simply share what God leads us to share. Never tear down another way to share Christ to elevate your favorite or preferred way.

9. Sloppy Agape Messengers

"Just believe - that's all you have to do..."  "God loves you and will not send you to hell." " We all are working for the same thing." "All roads lead to heaven if you are sincere..." " Just pray this prayer and no matter what you do you are going to heaven..." 

I have been to meetings where the speaker stood and shared story after story -  getting the crowd emotional and then at the end simply said pray this prayer with me and God will take you to heaven and your life will be wonderful from this night on. No more problems, no more worries" He never shared the gospel. There was reference to Jesus but not the penalty for sin, plight of sinners, condition of lost, God's way to salvation, need for Christ, benefits of faith in Christ, or steps to coming to real belief and trust in Christ. 

There are no magic words that save. The sinners prayer is not magical - but calling out to God in faith believing in Christ with a Godly sorrow for ones sins and a total abandonment of one's whole being to God and trust in His leading does result in salvation. One does not have to say it right, understand it all, or feel anything, Yet salvation comes to them that really believe, repent, and call on the Lord. 

10. Spirit Led - Bible Fed - God Called - Servant Leaders

I am sure there are other modern day expressions of ministers that I have left out. God wants us to have faith, trust Him for our portion, win all we have a relationship with, be bold, help the needy, inspire others to greatness, know the Word, not be polluted by the world, and really know what and in whom we believe. You see there is value to many of the personalities listed above - but there is also danger. Do not follow man but God. Put your trust in Him.

Preachers of the Gospel, teachers of the Word, modern day ministers - make sure you are listening to God and following His path for your ministry. Just because someone is on television, writes books, has a following are we to imitate them. We are to follow the Messiah, Jesus.  Some of my closest friends are great authors and preachers. They inspire me to go to Christ and learn from Him. They never take the credit or promote themselves. They would never want to take the Glory that belongs only to Christ. And we should never give it to them - but to Him!

God is looking for servant leaders to lead his people to the truth. He is calling many to serve Him in these last days. He is needing them to become men and women of the Book - the Bible and He is needing them to be led by the Spirit. 

It is my prayer that all of us that call ourselves ministers of the Gospel would really get a fresh word from God and share it His way, at His time, with His Power. Oh, now is the time to do more, try more, and see more than ever before. We live in such a Godless and perverse generation. Let us do our part in being in Christ so that as watchmen we watch and warn just as in Bible days!

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for a fresh Word from God today then ask God for the opportunity to share His Story with someone in need.

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 November 1, 2022

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

Copyright (c) 2003, 2022 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.