Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Investment and Trust

Investment and Trust by Carey Smith

"Jesus answered, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:21-22

There are so many lessons that we can learn from this story.  The rich young ruler wants eternal life and he knows he can get it from Jesus.  But Jesus asks something very difficult of the man and the man is unable to give it.

I have worked in the financial industry for many years and one thing I have learned is that when people go to a financial advisor, they are in essence saying to the person, "I believe you can do a better job than I can."  Why can the Advisor do a better job?  Is it their experience or knowledge?  Whatever the reason, when you invest with them, you are trusting them to do a better job than you.

How are you with Jesus?  Have you trusted Him with your life or just the burden of your sin?  The rich young ruler may never have understood what he was missing.  Jesus was asking for his life, not a token of his appreciation to receive Jesus' eternal gift.  Jesus knows he can manage our lives better than we can.

I admit that I daily need to trust and believe Jesus is a better manager than I am.  He can manage my child, my marriage, my job, and certainly my finances better than I can.  Recently, or in the near future, some of us will be receiving monetary stimulus packages from the government.  I wonder what would happen if we decided to turn that over to Jesus and let Him manage it.  Just a thought.

Personal Prayer Focus: Yield every area of your life to God. Allow Him to be your personal manager.

On The Go Prayer Focus:  Pray for Keith Cook and Shad Williams as they direct the Kenya GoTeam. Pray for the team as they are traveling to Nairobi today. Pray that God will prepare the hearts of each of our team members that they might be sensitive to the physical and spiritual needs of those to whom they will be ministering to.

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 June 7, 2017
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2008, 2017 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

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

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

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

What Is Real Salvation

What Is Real Salvation by Keith Cook

"But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him." 1 Corinthians 8:6

News Event:  Keith and Joan Cook, Shad and Sheila Williams, Zach Blickens, Matt Kearney, John Andrus, and GFE Kenya team members will be ministering in Kenya June 6-14, 2017!  Praise God for the opportunity to Preach the Good News of Jesus Christ! Your Prayers and Support will help to blaze a Gospel trail all over Africa and you will be right in the middle of all we do!

Yesterday, we discussed Fake Salvation and what Salvation is not. Today, we will look at what true salvation in Christ really is.

Saving faith, true belief, and real salvation come from putting your trust and confidence in Jesus. Then you ask Jesus to pay the penalty and forgive you of your sin. Next you receive, by faith, your free gift of an eternal home in Heaven and God's provision of strength and guidance while living on Earth. All this can be yours! Right Now!

The Devil will never give in to God's will, but you can. You can come to Jesus for the right reason. You don't have to play a game with God. You don't have to pretend to be a Christian; you can really know you are a Child of God.

Right now you can pray and ask Jesus to come into your heart (whole life). The choice is yours. Decide today. Don't wait any longer. Your prayer can be something like this:

Dear God, I am sorry for my sin. I cannot save myself. Jesus you died for me on the cross. I believe you are God. Come into my heart and save me today. I will live by your power. Give me courage and strength to live for you. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for taking me to Heaven when I die.

When one prays a prayer like the one above with a genuine desire for Christ to be their Saviour, the Bible says, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved!"

If you have prayed and asked Jesus to come into your heart (life) the Bible says He did. I would suggest you immediately contact a person you know is a genuine Christian and ask them to help you learn more about your new life in Christ. You may want to call a local pastor.

Your new life will include Bible study, prayer on a daily basis, regular church attendance, and sharing your own love for Jesus with others.

Learning and growing in Christ is something we should be experiencing all the time. Don't be ashamed to ask for help from a local church, a minister, or another Christian.

I thank God for your decision and want to hear from you. I would love to send you some material on how to live for Jesus! For spiritual help or information write, email, visit our web site, or contact a local church in your area. May Christ continue to bless and keep you in the center of His will.

Personal Prayer Focus: Praise God for His Provision of Eternal Life to those who place their trust in Him. Pray for New Believers as they seek to Grow in their Christian life.

On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook as he directs our GoTeam to Kenya.  Please pray for traveling mercies as the team's flight leaves this afternoon.  The team will be ministering in Kenya through Wednesday, June 15. Pray for travel mercies, "Divine Appointments," opportunities to minister, decisions for Christ, and God's will to be done.

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 June 6, 2017
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2005, 2017 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

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

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

Monday, June 5, 2017

Fake Salvation

Fake Salvation by Keith Cook

"But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him." 1 Corinthians 8:6

In survey after survey the majority of people in North America say that they believe in God and want to go to Heaven when they die? There are not many people who want to go to Hell and spend eternity (forever) without God!

Fake Salvation Is Coming To Jesus To Escape Hell

Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after me..." Surely Jesus knows that people want to come to Him and have peace with God and receive life forever. Why would He have to say that?  Jesus may have said this to show that there is a vast difference between wanting to escape Hell and really wanting to come to Him.

Jesus wanted people to come to Him because they were choosing to be His people, not just for eternal fire insurance to keep them out of Hell. There are many people who are scared to death of Hell and dying. All you have to do to get them to say they trust Jesus is to talk about Hell. Jesus would say this is not coming to Him. This example would represent running away from Hell, not coming to Jesus. There is a big difference.

Fake Salvation Is Coming To Jesus Because It Is Popular

Many people come to Jesus because it is the popular thing to do. People often say they are born again in order to gain favor or approval from someone. When I was in high school, most of the guys soon learned that if they wanted to date the "popular" girls, they had to go to church. So, every Sunday morning all the hung over, love sick guys were in church. Many a young woman was tricked into thinking "Mr. Right" was right, on the basis of a false commitment.

Religion is big business these days. Every major shopping center has a Christian bookstore and most metropolitan areas have Christian radio and T.V. stations. The Good News is popular. The sad thing about a real commitment to Jesus is that it is not really going to be a popular thing for long.

After I was saved, my entire vocabulary changed, my friends changed, along with my old habits. I went through a very dry spell as far as popularity was concerned. If my faith had been built on being popular, I would have dropped out, proving my commitment was not real.

Fake Salvation Is Coming To Jesus To Get Something

Some people make promises with God while in the middle of tragic and difficult situations. This often happens when they are financially burdened or when they are suffering physically. I have even heard some people say they "got saved" in order to have God bless them financially or heal their bodies. Some prosperity gospel teachers and hyper-healers fuel this practice, not the Bible! This is an example of coming to Jesus, just to get something.

Fake Salvation Is Coming To Jesus To Get Someone Off Their Back

Many young people say they are saved just to get their mother or grandma off their back. Wayward spouses often try this! When someone makes a false commitment they may get people off their back, but they inherit a heavy sense of guilt. Deep inside their spirit they know they are no better off. God knows that this is a fake decision and He does not live in them. A person who dies in this state does not have a place prepared for them in Heaven.

Fake Salvation Is Coming To Jesus Without Forsaking False God's

In the Orient, some people will say they want Jesus to come into their lives and they say they accept Him. What they actually do is accept Jesus along with other gods like Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius, etc... All they have done is add another god to their list. They do not want to offend our God. In our culture, some people who think they are born from above are really not because all they have done is tack Jesus onto materialism, humanism, legalism, and countless other gods. They say they owe Jesus. Yet they never talk about Him because they are embarrassed. They sing about how great it is to be a Christian, but they will not take a stand on moral issues. They say "times have changed" and we need to be culturally sensitive. They are still holding on to other "gods."

Easy Believism Is Fake Salvation

All these shallow examples of "easy believism" will not change a person's life. Their lives are not built on the solid rock, Jesus, but on sinking sand, religion. This kind of faith will not hold up in crisis times. The real power of Christianity is Jesus and He will not come in and share a vessel with any other doctrine or religion: not humanism, legalism, materialism, or moral living.

All of these reasons for coming to Jesus are wrong, and in reality, they are not coming to Jesus at all. If you personally have come to Jesus by any road other than that of the Cross, through His shed blood, because of your sinful, helpless condition, then you are still lost and on a one-way street that leads straight to Hell itself. Jesus is your only way out!

Take The Fake Salvation Test

I want you to take a test. Now my son, Keith Jr., has a fantastic mind and he can memorize and recite long passages of facts he has gleaned from books. He really likes tests - he is just like his mother. I, on the other hand, hate tests. But it won't take a rocket scientist to pass my little quiz.

My test only has three questions:
1. Do you believe in Jesus?
2. Do you believe in the Bible as the Word of God?
3. Do you believe going to church is a good idea?

Now think with me. How did you answer these questions? You probably said yes to all three. Well I've got news for you. You just passed the "Devil Test." You could be in the same condition as the Devil, because the Devil believes, just like the majority of people living today believe. Let me explain. The Devil believes in Jesus! He knows Jesus is the Son of God. The Devil knows the Bible is the Word of God. He probably can quote great amounts of scripture! He also goes to church. He sends his demons regularly. So what makes the kind of belief you have any different from the Devil's?

Tomorrow, we will share about Real Salvation, and discuss true saving faith in Christ.

Personal Prayer Focus: Pray fervently for the lost who are deceived and holding onto "Fake Salvation". Pray that God will convict and challenge their hearts and that they will put their faith in Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.

On The Go Prayer Focus:  On The Go Prayer Focus: Joan Cook's "Women On The Go" Ministries. Joan's "Women On The Go" programs are implemented at women's conferences, local churches, retreats, and separate stand-alone events. God has given her a burden to minister to and encourage women in their walk with the Lord. Pray for Joan as she ministers and shares from her heart and as she presents motivational, evangelistic programs, materials, and leadership to and for women that will challenge and motivate them to a deeper walk with the Lord.

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

On The Go Daily Devotion for June 5, 2017
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2005, 2017 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

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

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

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Opportunities

Opportunities by Joan Cook

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God." 2 Timothy 1:7, 8

While at the mall recently, I came across a nail salon, so I decided to go in and have my nails done. When I walked into the salon I quickly noticed it was an Asian establishment. I knew that my nails would look great when they were finished, as most Asians who do manicures and pedicures are wonderful. I sat down to get started and noticed a small gold Buddha. I could not help but ask about it. I was then informed that my attendant, Tina, was a Buddhist. She began to tell me all about Buddha and her "religion". I sat quietly and attentively as she talked for the next 15 minutes about her god.

When she was through, I began to tell her about my faith. I used the On The Go method of witnessing by talking about the ordinary (her job, homeland, etc...), sharing my testimony, and presenting the Gospel. I told her of my personal relationship with Jesus Christ and how I came to know Him as my Lord and Savior.

She responded by saying, "Well, you know Christianity and Buddhism are a lot alike. They are both wonderful religions." I then told her that Jesus Christ is the one true God. And there is no other God besides Him. She did not respond but quickly changed the subject. I did not feel the urge to push Tina, so I told her I would be praying for her.

I pray that another Christian will water the seed that was planted that day. Could that someone be you?

Personal Prayer Focus: Lord, I pray I will always be willing to water or plant the seed of You in someone's life.

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 June 4, 2017
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2017 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.

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Scuba Diving: Rest in Me

Scuba Diving: Rest in Me by Laurie McTier

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;" Isaiah 43:1-3

A few years ago, each of our staff members were challenged to take scuba diving lessons. We knew that this challenge could reap great benefits. As we worked together during each course, our staff drew closer to one another. We had to work together in order that our goals would be accomplished and each diver could receive their certification. I noted that when a diver was in trouble or having difficulty, there were immediately two or three buddies there to assist.

During the scuba lessons, my first and foremost fear was breathing underwater. The oxygen tank was there to provide the necessary oxygen. I had to learn to relax, stop fighting the regulator, and let the oxygen perform its duties.

The next morning in my devotional time, God gave me an inner peace to continue the course. Scuba diving is similar to the daily Christian walk. Trust, Faith and Belief. Do we truly believe our equipment (the Word of God) is functional and effective? Do we really believe that God is who He says He is? Do we take Him at His Word? You may not be going scuba diving today, but God wants you to rest in Him, no matter what trial comes your way. "Fear not...For I am the Lord your God."

Personal Prayer Focus: Praise God for His Omnipresence and Power in your life. Praise Him for the ability to have Peace and Confidence in the midst of storms.

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

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

On The Go Daily Devotion for June 3, 2017
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2017 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

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

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

Friday, June 2, 2017

Positive People

Positive People by Joan Cook

"For I have chosen Him in order that he may counsel his children and his household after him and keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice..." Genesis 18:19

We are blessed to be a blessing. We all have many people who in the course of our lives have influenced us positively or negatively. As I look back on my teenage years, I can remember individuals who had positive influences on my life. One of those people was my high school basketball coach, Coach Daley. What a kind spirit he had. He taught me that you could maintain self-control, even when things were not going your way.

Another was my youth pastor, John Greene. He taught me that serving Jesus did not have to be boring. We are called to be the salt and light in this world. People need salt to live and they are attracted to light. People need the Jesus we possess, and they should be attracted to us because of our spirit. We need to be fun and full of life as we serve the Lord.

The third person would be my Mother. She taught me that strength and determination were qualities that I wanted in my life. By being such a strong leader of our family, she always made sure that we knew Christ was our source. And she taught us that apart from Him we could do nothing.

But, the person who has influenced me the most would have to be my husband, Keith. Keith has taught me so many things about living the Christian life. In watching him and his walk for over thirty seven years, I have seen someone who constantly listens to the Lord. Someone who is completely sold out to the calling the Lord has placed upon him, someone who exemplifies the fruit of the spirit in his life daily. Although, many are attracted to his enthusiastic spirit, he always points them in the direction of the Lord, not wanting to gain glory for himself.

Do you have someone in your life that is a positive influence on you? Are you in turn influencing someone else? If not, look around for someone who can help you become all you can be in Christ. Also, look for someone you can help strengthen in his or her walk with the Lord.

Personal Prayer Focus: Praise God for those who have mentored you in your walk with Christ. Pray that God will enable you to be sensitive to those to whom He would have you to strengthen and mentor.

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 June 2, 2017
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2005, 2017 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

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

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

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

Thursday, June 1, 2017

You Have Made a Difference!

You Have Made a Difference! by Keith Cook

"if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:8

When our team goes into an area and ministers for Jesus it is always a special time for us, and our entire team puts all we have into the effort.

My most enjoyable job on each outreach is to go to each person on the project and say, "Thank you for giving to the Lord. You have made a special impact on our trip. You have labored, prayed, shared, preached, and done so much for God."

Often I will say, "One day you may be walking around Heaven and someone will come to you and say, "You don't know me and we have never met, but you went on a mission trip and helped save a young boy's life. That young boy became a Christian and that young boy shared Jesus with me. I'm here today because you cared enough to sacrifice and give up comforts for the Gospel's sake."

When you do any work for Christ I believe God often looks down on your service and He brags to the Heavenly Host..."Look at MY child, he (she) has fought a good fight and finished the course."

Have you been making a difference for God in all God has given you to do? If so, then I also want to thank you, just like I thank our team, for giving to the Lord and working for His kingdom.

We all want to do our part till Jesus comes. Look around today and ask God where He would have you make a difference. Find some deed that no one wants to do. Find that mission that no one goes to help. Talk with that person who never has a friend. Make a difference today.

Personal Prayer Focus: Pray for God to give you a vision of what He would have you do next for Him!

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 June 1, 2017
Brought to you each day by On The Go / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2004, 2017 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.