On The Go Daily with Keith Cook

Monday, February 7, 2011

Leadership Perils and Insights by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion for February 7, 2011
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

Leadership Perils and Insights by Keith Cook

³Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.:² Proverbs 3:5,6

There are many joys and rewards in being a Christian leader. Working with believers to do the work of the Lord is a joy in and of itself. Seeing people come alive as they do the will of God is so exciting. Seeing the fruit of one's labor and seeing co-workers and peers working as a team brings satisfaction and inner peace. But there are some perils that face leaders of every generation.

Some of the perils and pitfalls facing leaders include:

1. Letting Need get you to focus on it over God's call
2. Letting friendship get in the way of a direct word from God
3. Taking a short cut from God's plan
4. Being set up by the devil - surviving being blindsided by co-workers, friends, Christians
5. Thinking everyone is on the same page - how pride in work can remove light

Some of the JOYS of being a leader include:

1. Seeing someone mature and rise above others
2. Seeing someone devour the Word
3. Seeing the fruit of one's labor
4. Being able to share a Vision from God
5. Putting feet to faith and dreaming big dreams with a Vision from God

HOW TO MISS GOD

1. Listen to fame above the voice of God
2. Listen to friends above the voice of God
3. Listen to family above the voice of God
4. Listen to spouse above the voice of God

HOW TO SETTLE FOR LESS THAN GOD'S BEST

1. Go do something anyone can do
2. Go do something someone else should do
3. Go do something small when there is something grand to do
4. Being tied down with the stuff of missions, ministry or church work when God has faith works for you to do

A MAN (or Woman) OF GOD

1. Is a man of the book - the Bible
2. Is a man of prayer - takes devotional life serious
3. Is a man of action - does not just talk about it but actually does what is on his heart
4. Is a man after God's own heart - wants to glorify God in his body and through his life

Observations from years of ministry with both young and old:

1. You have not heard from God if you are not spending time in Bible Study and Prayer.
2. You have not heard from God if you are avoiding mentors in your life.
3. You have not heard from God if you are not still listening for and to His voice every moment.

Many have a thought, desire, fear, opportunity, and begin to talk and plan before they pray. They begin to plan before they get spiritual confirmation. They run ahead of God. They get a word from God and never look back or get new light on what God has said or may be saying now.

Choose this day not to be a short sighted leader. Listen moment by moment to the voice of God. Swallow your pride, go back on the attack, get back in the battle for souls. Do the work of the evangelist in this generation.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will give you the heart and vision of a leader. Allow Him to mold you into a leader that will bring glory and honor to His name.

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.

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

Copyright (c) 2003, 2011 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
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Sunday, February 6, 2011

The Epidemic by Joan Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion for February 6, 2011
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

The Epidemic by Joan Cook

"Now flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace..." 2 Timothy 2:22

The topic today may make you a little uncomfortable. It is a subject that we do not like to talk about, but it is affecting the lives of millions of America's young people. I am referring to sexually transmitted diseases. Don't freak out! It's okay to read about this and even talk about it!

Frankly, that's part of the problem - we don't talk about it enough! This devotion will be different from most and I pray it will give you information that can help you in making a difference in the life of just one person, maybe even in your own family.

In the book "Epidemic" by Dr. Meg Meeker there are some profound statistics. She writes, "This year alone, 15.3 million Americans will contract a new sexually transmitted disease. Two to four million of those infected will be teenagers. Nearly one out of every four sexually active teens are living with a sexually transmitted disease at this moment." Every day eight thousand teens become infected with a STD. These statistics astounded me! Every year about one million teenage girls get pregnant. Half of all students in the ninth grade have had sexual intercourse. Teens today think that they are safe and not having "real" sex if they only engage in oral sex. A big percent of those engaging in oral sex are under the age of fourteen.

Dr. Meeker tells a shocking true story. She writes, "She had heard some kids were going to have a rainbow party, but she had no idea what that meant. Still, she thought it might be fun, and arranged to attend with a friend. After she arrived, several girls (all in the eighth grade) were given different shades of lipstick and told to perform oral sex on different boys to give them rainbows. When a girl gave her some lipstick, she refused at first but, with repeated pressure, finally gave in. 'It was one of the grossest things I have ever done,' she said crying. 'I just wanted to hide and die. I felt like vomiting.'"

I realize this is not a warm and fuzzy devotion and please forgive me for being so candid with you, but I strongly believe we have a responsibility to today's youth, especially our own!

It has been proven that if we do the following, we will have a positive affect on our teenagers.

1) Take time for our teens
2) Get involved in their lives
3) Get to know their friends
4) Teach them about the Lord
5) Set a godly example

No, this does not ensure us that they will never yield to peer pressure, but when a godly foundation has been laid, it makes it extremely more difficult for our young people to make wrong choices and yield to temptation.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for parents as they seek to set godly foundations for their young people. Pray for teens to make wise decisions.

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

Copyright (c) 2003, 2011 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Well Rounded and Grounded by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion for February 5, 2011
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

Well Rounded and Grounded by Keith Cook

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24

Even though we hate to admit it, we all are creatures of habit and have certain needs that can only be met within our culture, people group, or peers. These Psychological Needs are very strong and demanding upon us, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

What are these needs?

1. Each of us has Safety needs. What we really want is to feel secure and safe in our homes, our neighborhoods, and our workplace. When we loose that sense of safety, like we did emotionally after 9/11/01, we feel insecure and vulnerable.

2. Everyone has Social needs. People need to meet in groups and have fun, expand their minds, and mingle. When someone becomes a loner or recluse they are loosing their sense of community and wholeness.

3. People all over the world also have Esteem needs. People want to be needed and wanted. They want to be noticed. There are times when they want to fit in, and times when they want to be rebels. They want to accomplish great things and be noticed by their peers. Everyone wants to be liked and appreciated.

4. Finally, people in every generation and culture have tremendous Growth needs. They need to expand their minds. They have a need to try new things, to learn and to grow. Exploration, research, expansion, and creativity are all traits and attributes God seeded into all human beings.

A well rounded individual can move through life without many major crashes and setbacks in most of these areas. Being well rounded, while it is important, is not as important as being well grounded. We need to be well grounded in our faith in Christ, as well as being well grounded in the Word of God.

Knowing what God has to say about safety, society, esteem, and growth is more important than what a teacher or media expert could say. Having confidence in God's direction and care can help any person make it through the times when one of these areas of our lives is lacking or not being fulfilled.

Try being well rounded in life and well grounded in Christ. You can not have one without the other. Think about it!

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.

Copyright (c) 2003, 2011 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

Friday, February 4, 2011

I Want by Joan Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion for February 4, 2011
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

I Want by Joan Cook

"Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go." Proverbs 4:13

When my son, Keith Jr., was a toddler he was a pretty good child. He did not go through the terrible two's like some kids that I know. He waited until he was three and had built up a little extra trouble inside, then he threw it on us.

I remember one day in particular, the family had gone to the mall for a quick stop on the way to an event. We had let Keith Jr. know that we would not have time to go into the toy store on this particular visit. Upon entering the mall, his dad had taken hold of one hand and I the other. We were on a mission to find our desired purchase and head out the door as soon as possible!

We were about half way down the mall when Keith Jr. spotted the toy store and began to plead to go in. We once again said " No, not tonight". For the first time in his little life, he sat on the ground and began to kick his legs and pitch an unholy fit. In his three year old mind, he thought this tactic would assure him a visit to the toy store.

Instead of giving in to quiet him down, his dad and I proceeded to drop his hands and walk away; leaving him screaming in the middle of the mall. We'd only taken a couple of steps when he jumped up and began running after us crying! He realized that he was not going to get his way so he had better jump up and do it his parents way! (By the way, he never did that again!)

Are you like a three year old at times in your relationship with the Lord? You may read His word, clearly understand His instructions, and know from the start what is required of you, yet you try to manipulate God into letting you have your own way. I've done it many times, I'm ashamed to say. "Lord, you know we need a new car. This one is falling apart. I know what your word says about going into debt, but you see how important this is, right? Are you telling me, Lord, that you want me to drive an old, beaten up car when I can easily go out and purchase a new one?"

As my brother once told me when we were young, "Start acting your age, not your shoe size." I'm afraid that at times, God wants to drop our hands and leave us pitching a fit, and sometimes that's exactly what He does. Sometimes it takes a while for us to realize that His way is the best way!

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for God's perfect will and plan in your life. Pray that He will unite your heart with His will.

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.

Copyright (c) 2003, 2011 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Heavenly Vision by Laurie McTier

On The Go Daily Devotion for February 3, 2011
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

Heavenly Vision by Laurie McTier

"And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do." Genesis 41:25

Joseph was a man of honor and integrity. Joseph feared God and walked with him. God protected Joseph, and even in prison, He took care of him, and gave him high regard among his captors.

Pharaoh was greatly disturbed by two dreams that he had in one evening. He begged for help, still there was no one who could interpret his dreams. At this time, the butler remembered a promise he had made to Joseph when he was in prison. The butler told Pharaoh about Joseph and then Pharaoh called for him to come and give him his interpretation of his dreams.

God blessed Joseph by giving him the interpretations of Pharaoh's dreams. Through the dreams, God informed Pharaoh of seven years of prosperity and seven years of famine. This allowed Egypt to prepare for upcoming conflict by building
storehouses and gathering supplies.

God gave Joseph and Pharaoh godly insight to the needs of their fellow countrymen. Has God given you a dream or a vision of the needs of those around you? God can use you to reach someone in your immediate surroundings that only you can effectively minister to. Are you willing and available to be used by God to make an eternal investment?

Don't let the vision die. Had Joseph not been willing to risk it all by giving to Pharaoh God's interpretation, many lives would have been lost.

How can we win this world to Jesus. It can only happen one soul at a time. Each
one can reach one.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God show you what He is doing in your midst. Seek after His heart, and pray that you will remain available to Him to carry out His vision for your life.

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

Copyright (c) 2003, 2011 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Proposal by Keith Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion for February 2, 2011
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

The Proposal by Keith Cook

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

I love having younger leaders working with me because each day is exciting and full of surprises. One of my full time staff had been dating a fine Christian girl for over two years and they had begun to look rather dreamily at each other at every event we saw them at. Joan and I, along with every married couple who met the two, quickly came to the conclusion that these two were made for each other.

One day while driving in the car with the young man he rather casually said he was looking at engagement rings and wanted my opinion on what his girlfriend would like. I quickly said Joan was a better judge than I, so we scheduled a night for Joan to go to the jewelry store looking with him. It was such fun to look at him picking out rings and trying to get that one special ring for his most special person. Once he made his decision he had to shell out hard cold cash to secure the ring. He had saved for nearly a year to make this lifetime purchase.

Prior to asking her the big question he wracked his brain for the best time and the best place to propose. Once he decided, he sprang into action. He secretly met with her mother and secured her blessing. He then set about to make sure that nothing spoiled that special night. He had picked a night that saw them with our entire team and group of friends. While we were all together, there were several hours where we all would be apart. It was during one of these times that he struck. After he proposed and she said yes, they came around our group of friends and it was so obvious what had just happened. She literally glowed and he was beaming. Also she was wearing the most beautiful ring on her ring finger. They were engaged. Pledged to each other. Young love. Joyous love. Exciting and new.

Your relationship with Christ can be the same way. He loves you. You have been made to only have life in Him. He has chosen you to be His forever. He gave His life to secure your place at the wedding feast He has prepared for you. He has given you his pledge by way of the Holy Spirit. He will not let anything keep you from the marriage supper and life He has for you. You are sealed in Christ. He has planned a wonderful home for you. He wants to lavish on you great gifts and treasures.

All you have to do is say YES. Once you are in Christ or if you are in Christ it will be so obvious. You glow. You shine. You reflect the love you have received in Him.

Instead of getting down on His knees He got up on the cross and is asking you to be His forever. Say Yes, Yes, Yes!

Daily Prayer Focus: If you have not accepted God's proposal of a forever relationship with you, why not consider doing so today. And, if you have said yes to Jesus, do all you can today to help others come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

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

Copyright (c) 2003, 2011 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this
"On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own
subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at
http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .

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

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Counterfeit by Joan Cook

On The Go Daily Devotion For February 1, 2011
Brought to you each day by
Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go

The Counterfeit by Joan Cook

"You will know them by their fruits...every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. So then, you will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16,17,20

As I finished writing this devotion, my son called with a great example of how our light shines! Read on and I'll tell the story at the end!

As I was growing up, my Mom would take us to my Grandmother's house almost every week to visit. My Grandma loved jewelry and as soon as we would walk into her home, she would check out all the jewelry everyone had on and inspect it. If it was not 24 karat gold with a real stone on it somewhere, she would immediately discard it and go on to someone else's. She could usually tell if the jewelry was real, but occasionally she was fooled. She loved diamonds and shiny jewels.

When Keith and I were engaged and he had given me my engagement ring, every time we would visit Grandma Rogers, she would scope my hand up close to her eye and check out my diamond. She would always say, "That's a beautiful ring, honey. I know it's real because of the way it shines."

When I think of my Grandma's analogy of my ring, I realize this is so true of our Christian life. We might claim to be a Christian and even go to church on Sunday, but are we the real thing? Have we really asked Jesus into our heart to be our Lord and Savior? Some people may not be able to tell if you are a counterfeit or not. You may think you have everyone fooled, but there is One who knows the real you.

Maybe we are Christians and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are children of the King. Ask yourself a question, are you shining so brilliantly to those around you that there is no mistake you are a Christian? Could someone say of you, "I know they are real because of the way they shine?"

The Bible tells us clearly that we will be known by our fruits. Are you barren or blooming? I pray today that you are a blooming Christian with fruits so evident that everyone around cannot help but know you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Continued from above: As I finished writing this devotion, my son called from his cell phone and said, "You won't believe what just happened!" He went on to tell me that Megan and he had just finished eating at a local restaurant in Nashville when their bill came with a note attached that said, "No charge, compliments of the lady sitting next to you."

He turned to the lady and asked, "Is this you?" She told him it was and that she had watched them as they ate and had seen them hold hands and pray before their meal. This impressed her so much she wanted to bless them! Wow! What perfect timing to illustrate this devotion.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that others will know you by your fruit! Pray that your life and your testimony will draw others to Jesus Christ.

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.

Copyright (c) 2003, 2011 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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