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.
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 February 5, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
I Want
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.
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 February 4, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
"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.
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 February 4, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Heavenly Vision
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.
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 February 3, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
"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.
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 February 3, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
The Proposal
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.
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 February 2, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
"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.
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 February 2, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
The Counterfeit
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.
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 February 1, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
"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.
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 February 1, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Friday, January 31, 2014
The Love of God
The Love of God by Laurie McTier
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:9,10
The love of God is greater than any man can ever tell. The greatest picture of His love is His sacrificial gift, His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. God knew that the only way to eternal salvation was the death of His Son, so He willingly gave that we could come to know Him.
As Christians, we can come to God our Father at any time. He wants to know His children on an intimate level. No matter your struggle, He wants you to know that He loves you and cares for you. He will walk beside you every step of the way. He is strong enough, lean on Him and place your trust in Him. With His power, His strength, and His compassion, you truly can impact lives and change the world.
Christ died so that we might live! Let His glory shine through you. As you allow His love to flow through you, others will be drawn to Him.
Daily Prayer Focus: Let your light shine through me so that others can be drawn to Christ.
On The Go Prayer Focus: All the local churches, committees, and leaders who will be working with On The Go Ministries and the Keith Cook Team in creative outreach efforts in the United States and around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for January 31, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:9,10
The love of God is greater than any man can ever tell. The greatest picture of His love is His sacrificial gift, His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. God knew that the only way to eternal salvation was the death of His Son, so He willingly gave that we could come to know Him.
As Christians, we can come to God our Father at any time. He wants to know His children on an intimate level. No matter your struggle, He wants you to know that He loves you and cares for you. He will walk beside you every step of the way. He is strong enough, lean on Him and place your trust in Him. With His power, His strength, and His compassion, you truly can impact lives and change the world.
Christ died so that we might live! Let His glory shine through you. As you allow His love to flow through you, others will be drawn to Him.
Daily Prayer Focus: Let your light shine through me so that others can be drawn to Christ.
On The Go Prayer Focus: All the local churches, committees, and leaders who will be working with On The Go Ministries and the Keith Cook Team in creative outreach efforts in the United States and around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for January 31, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Heart Attack
Heart Attack by Keith Cook
"Harden not your hearts." Hebrews 3:8
The Devil is trying to make you have a "Heart Attack." He wants to destroy your spiritual heart. There are many different kinds of hearts mentioned in the Bible, and each of them can help us get a clear picture of what God wants us to avoid in life and what He has for each of us in this life and in eternity.
There are Hard Hearts - These are hearts that have been hardened to the Spirit of God. Life seems hopeless and there appears to be no way out of evil and dreadful situations. No peace. No joy. No indication of guilt. Irresponsibility. (Hebrews 3:8)
There are Dirty Hearts - These are represented by lives that are full of sin and in need of cleansing and forgiveness and hope. The Devil attacks hearts of men and women and traps individuals into going farther into sin than they intended to go and has them staying in bondage to sin longer than they ever dreamed possible.
There are Dead Hearts - These lifeless hearts have been crushed by a load of sin and literally are dead to life in Christ. They are dead to a work of God in their lives. Spiritual things make no sense to them. Life is lived in the flesh. They give no room or thought to spiritual and/or eternal values.
There are Searching Hearts - These Holy Spirit quickened hearts are open to a life in the spirit and are ready for new life. These are hearts that are longing for something better. They represent hearts that are looking for love and acceptance.
There are Clean Hearts - Clean hearts are basically lives that have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and set free from the penalty of sin. These hearts represent lives which are forever secure in their relationship with Christ.
There are New Hearts - This is the kind of heart that God wants you to have today. Hearts that represent lives that are walking in the newness of life in the Spirit. Jesus has made these hearts new. Scars are gone. Sin is gone. The Devil's heart attack is not evident because the old heart has been replaced. Your life can be one of newness of life. You are a new creation. There is hope, happiness, and purpose.
Let your heart beat with life in Christ.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will guard your heart.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook, Joan Cook, the U.S.A. Staff, and On The Go Board of Directors, as they add leadership and direction for the ongoing ministries of the Keith Cook Team and On The Go.
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 January 30, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
"Harden not your hearts." Hebrews 3:8
The Devil is trying to make you have a "Heart Attack." He wants to destroy your spiritual heart. There are many different kinds of hearts mentioned in the Bible, and each of them can help us get a clear picture of what God wants us to avoid in life and what He has for each of us in this life and in eternity.
There are Hard Hearts - These are hearts that have been hardened to the Spirit of God. Life seems hopeless and there appears to be no way out of evil and dreadful situations. No peace. No joy. No indication of guilt. Irresponsibility. (Hebrews 3:8)
There are Dirty Hearts - These are represented by lives that are full of sin and in need of cleansing and forgiveness and hope. The Devil attacks hearts of men and women and traps individuals into going farther into sin than they intended to go and has them staying in bondage to sin longer than they ever dreamed possible.
There are Dead Hearts - These lifeless hearts have been crushed by a load of sin and literally are dead to life in Christ. They are dead to a work of God in their lives. Spiritual things make no sense to them. Life is lived in the flesh. They give no room or thought to spiritual and/or eternal values.
There are Searching Hearts - These Holy Spirit quickened hearts are open to a life in the spirit and are ready for new life. These are hearts that are longing for something better. They represent hearts that are looking for love and acceptance.
There are Clean Hearts - Clean hearts are basically lives that have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and set free from the penalty of sin. These hearts represent lives which are forever secure in their relationship with Christ.
There are New Hearts - This is the kind of heart that God wants you to have today. Hearts that represent lives that are walking in the newness of life in the Spirit. Jesus has made these hearts new. Scars are gone. Sin is gone. The Devil's heart attack is not evident because the old heart has been replaced. Your life can be one of newness of life. You are a new creation. There is hope, happiness, and purpose.
Let your heart beat with life in Christ.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will guard your heart.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook, Joan Cook, the U.S.A. Staff, and On The Go Board of Directors, as they add leadership and direction for the ongoing ministries of the Keith Cook Team and On The Go.
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 January 30, 2014
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2014 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________
Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .
After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.
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