Tuesday, March 31, 2020

We Look Strange

We Look Strange by Keith Cook

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself." Matthew 22:37, 39

Christians are strange birds. We often look and sound different than those we regularly come in contact with at work or play. How we come across and how we present ourselves has a great deal to do with how well our witnessing efforts will be received.

How do most lost individuals view us? What kind of messages do we portray by our actions and words? Let's take a closer look.

I have talked with the unchurched, professing unbelievers, rebellious radicals, and confused seekers of truth all over the world and these are five conclusions I have come to.

1. The unchurched see believers as Bible Thumpers. They actually believe we know the Bible and have an answer or solution for almost every ill that befalls a person. They also are intimidated by some zealots who attack them with religious knowledge without "speaking the truth in love." Having found that out leads me to question why so many Christians do not use this great insight for their advantage by actually knowing the Bible and applying what it says to social ills and problems. Using a timely and true word from God has more weight than our opinion. Use the Word but be careful not to beat someone over the head with your scriptural insights!

2. The seeker sees Christians in general as being too busy to worry with them. They assume that we all are too busy and that that is the reason we never invite them to our events, services, and special activities. They drive by hundreds of churches with signs and posters proclaiming all the fantastic events going on inside. While most of us would not crash a party uninvited so no believers will not risk coming to most church events without a personal invitation.

3. Lost people believe that Christians have it all together. No problems, no worries, no needs. Because we put on a good show we can often risk not giving God the glory in how He directs and protects us. We need to be transparent in our relying on Him in the middle of crisis and when we must make tough decisions.

4. The non-churched also believe that Christians make great bosses, teammates, friends, and are basically good people. That is why a church goer who goes crazy and does something tragic makes headlines. It's not just an attack of Satan trying to expose Christianity, it often in a numb and unbelieving secular society who can not believe that someone who professes Christ could do such a thing. Believers are put up on a pedestal and must quickly confess their sins and shortcoming to all it effects. Waiting and covering sin always leads to ruin. We need to be examples and live for Christ all the time. We also must let Jesus be our guide for how to live and practice our faith.

5. A final word on how the lost see Christians. They do see us! They are watching us. They can judge us right or wrong when we display non-Christlike attitudes. The lost judge us most sharply when we live contrary to the Bible. They also critique us strongly when we act like we don't care about a social issue. They get hurt and feel like we do not value them when we dismiss them and do not share our real faith with them.

The Devil has made most believers feel that the lost will be offended if we share with them but I have found just the opposite. They want to talk, they want to begin a dialog about faith. They want to be religious. They need Jesus. He will direct them back to living right and being right with God.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will give you a deeper sensitivity to the needs of the non-churched and unbelievers in your family, neighborhood, and work place. Pray for a greater urgency to speak the truth with boldness.

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 March 31, 2020
Brought to you each day by  On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2005, 2020 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, March 29, 2020

By Faith We Stand

By Faith We Stand by On The Go Staff

Today the staff at On The Go would like to encourage you to spend some time meditating on the following verses on FAITH. We believe that faith can move mountains that seem impossible, and by faith you can serve the Lord in any capacity He has called you to serve!

"But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." Matthew 9:22

"Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt." Matthew 15:28

"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1

"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Matthew 17:20

"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2

"Where there is no vision, the people perish:" Proverbs 29:18

Stand in faith today! God will reward you for your faithfulness.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will continue to expand your ministry as you seek to faithfully serve Him.

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 March 29, 2020
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2020 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, March 28, 2020

Lord, I See

Lord, I See by Tekka Kelly and Laurie McTier

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:10, 13

As Christians we can all look around us everyday and see signs of God's Presence and Power in our lives. Our God is an awesome God, and He is truly worthy to be praised. All too often; however, we fail to thank God for the blessings He has given to us. May we never take His Presence and Power for granted.

Our walk with Christ is dependent upon the time that we spend with Him each and everyday in prayer and Bible study. May God reveal His truths to us so that in return we can bless others with the lessons He has taught us. God doesn't bless us and expect us to hoard the blessings, but wants us to share them with our family and friends that God puts across our paths.

Today I want to close by leaving you with a poem written by a young girl that has grown-up under the influence of On The Go Ministries. Tekka became a Christian as a young girl during one of our Neighborhood Outreaches, and God has blessed her with a gift of writing poetry and songs.

Lord I See

Lord I see your Mighty Power
Shining through the Light Tower.
Some may say He's a Coward.
But they don't know His Marvelous Power.

From where I stand
He is the Glory in all our land.
We shall Sing and Dance
For He will Rise Again.

From the bottom of the ocean
To the top of the sky.
He's our salvation
That we see rise.

From every nation
To every grand,
To every state he will rise again.

For the Lord
We seek will rise again.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that your Christian faith never become mundane or common place. Pray God will give you renewed zeal and a renewed sense of His Presence and His Power.

On The Go Prayer Focus: The Interns who faithfully come to On The Go each year to work for Christ and learn how to do ministry that matters for the kingdom of God.


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 March 28, 2020
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2005, 2020 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, March 27, 2020

God Will Give You the Desires of Your Heart

God Will Give You the Desires of Your Heart by Dr. Ken Mattox, DDS

"May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions." Psalm 20:4, 5

My wife Bettye and I had the privilege of serving in Zimbabwe on several occasions as we treated patients with dental needs at the hospital in Sanyati. On our last visit, we had the opportunity to renew acquaintances with our dear friends Gene and Jean Phillips. They have served for over 42 years as missionaries, and we just love to hear testimonies of how God has graciously blessed them and provided for their ministry over the years.

Today I want to share with you one of their stories from the field. In their first years of ministry, they served in an area that was well irrigated, and God blessed them with many flowers, a garden, and fruit trees. It brought joy to their heart to be blessed with some luxuries that they treasured back home!

Soon, they were asked to go to a more remote arid (dry) area to serve. Jean knew that the possibility of having a garden, flowers, or even a fruit tree would be very difficult in this area. Although this caused her sadness, she knew that they must go. One day in her quiet time, God brought her to Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."

Jean began to pray that God would give her the desires of her heart, or else, take the desires away. The first week after the Phillips' moved to their new area of ministry, a volunteer team from Louisiana came to the area. God sent them a team of drillers, and they were drilling water wells for people just above them. The Phillips' not only got water, they began to receive water from an artesian well. God blessed them with a steady stream of water flowing through their yard only a few feet from where they wanted their garden. Gene dug a small ditch, and Jean had all the water she could have ever wanted. God blessed them with a beautiful garden, and within nine months, they began to get fruit from a fruit tree they had planted.

Remain faithful to the Lord today. Give thanks to God and make your petitions known to Him. Let Him know the desires of your heart, and as you faithfully serve Him, He will shower you with His blessings.

Daily Prayer Focus: Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's GoCamp ministry that trains believers all over the world how to share their faith.

(This devotion was taken as an excerpt with permission from Dr. Mattox's book entitled "A Light in the Darkness". This book contains scripture references that have impacted Dr. Mattox's life and illustrations from some of experiences on the mission field. To receive your own personal copy of his book, please contact On The Go Ministries.)

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 March 27, 2020
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2020 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, March 26, 2020

The Character of Daniel (Part 2)

The Character of Daniel (Part 2) by Joan Cook

Daniel 1 and 2

Today, we are continuing to look at Daniel's life and his Godly attributes which we can apply to our own lives.

5. Daniel had Christian Friends - The Bible tells us that after Daniel made an appointment with the King to interpret his dream, he immediately went home and told his friends his situation and they prayed together.

Do you have Christian friends in whom you can confide? Friends that will tell you the truth about a situation! Friends that will help you when you are down or needy! Friends that will pray with you until you get an answer!

6. Daniel was Humble - After Daniel had been given the interpretation to the King's dream and was to reveal it to the King, he remained humble. He told the King that it was not because of his wisdom that God had given him the interpretation, but because he was being a chosen vessel.

When God uses you to speak to others, do you remain humble knowing that it is Him, not you? We should never elevate ourselves to His throne, but should remain on bended knee at the base of the throne. A humble man is one who is totally dependent on God.

7. Daniel was Blessed - Daniel was promoted by the King to a high place in his kingdom.

Do you recognize the blessings of God on your life? If you are breathing right now, you are blessed! God has blessed all of us with life and has given us all a calling that He has placed on our lives. The Bible tells us that we are blessed to be a blessing.

H. G. Wells said, "If there is no God nothing matters, but if there is a God nothing else matters."

We must be men and women of character - God's character, displaying to others the love and power of Jesus Christ.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will allow you to be a Believer of Godly Character. Ask God today for training, standards, recognition, opportunities, Christian friends, humility, and blessing.

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

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

On The Go Daily Devotion for March 26, 2020
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2020 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, March 25, 2020

The Character of Daniel (Part 1)

The Character of Daniel (Part 1) by Joan Cook

Daniel 1 and 2

Recently, God has directed me in my Bible Studies to the book of Daniel. In looking at Daniel's life, I saw many Godly attributes that I believe are important for us to try and emulate today.

1. Daniel was Trained - He was selected to train to be in the King's service. He went through academic and physical training for three years.

Are you training to be in the King of King's service? Are you reading His Word and talking with the Lord on a daily basis? Are you learning more about who He is and the plan He has for your life?

2. Daniel had Standards - He did not conform to the standards others had set for him. Daniel was offered the King's delicacies to eat, but he refused them because the food had been offered to idols. He knew he did not want to defile his body with their food, so he asked to have vegetables and water served to him.

Are you conforming to the standards of this world or have you set your standards according to the Word of God? You see, if the devil can feed us slop, he knows it will turn us into pigs.

3. Daniel was Recognized - After his training, Daniel was recognized by King Nebuchadnezzar to be in his personal service. He was also recognized as being the wisest man in the land.

Are you recognized as being a follower of Christ? Can others readily identify you by your actions and words as being a friend of Jesus?

4. Daniel had Opportunity - Daniel had an opportunity to let all know that his God was the true God. When the King needed someone to interpret his dream and no one could do it, the King ordered all wise men killed. Instead of Daniel running away, he stepped up and proclaimed that he knew the One who could interpret the dream. He seized the opportunity.

Are you seizing the opportunities God is giving to you? You meet so many people every day that have needs. Are you meeting their needs by turning them toward the Savior?

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will enable you to seize opportunities to reach out to those in need and share with them the love of Christ.

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

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 March 25, 2020
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2020 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, March 24, 2020

Sanctified Relaxing

Sanctified Relaxing by Keith Cook

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." Psalms 35:5, 7

Most of us want to do something all the time. Resting and relaxing are even frowned upon by some in our culture. While being lazy is a sin, the Bible does speak concerning the need for God directed resting. God wants all of us to learn how to rest in Him. This is what I call "sanctified relaxing." During these times you actually are renewing your strength and charging your spiritual batteries.

How To Rest

Lay it all down - Get honest and open up to Christ. You can not hide from Jesus. True rest will soon follow if you will admit you have needs you can not meet on your own. Why not invite the Creator of your life to instruct you how to live your life.

Close your eyes - Taking your eyes off the ways of the world and turning your back on sin will lead to a life of rest in Christ.

Enjoy the time - Enjoy trusting in Jesus and letting Him take care of your every need.

Dream - When you rest God will fill your mind and heart with dreams of what He has in store for you. The great thing about God directed dreams is that they are more like prophecy of things to come. Dreams should excite us about our future and inspire us to live on to see the completion of those dreams.

Awake Refreshed - True resting in Christ produces a refreshed and relaxed attitude and spirit. Being fully alive in Christ will lead to great victories over the Devil.

Signs You Are Not Resting - How Not To Rest

Worry - When you worry you allow the Devil and chance to dictate the pace of your life. You actually hand control of your life over to your main adversary. The Devil actually wants to harm you. His main goal is to bring God down in your eyes and bring you down in God's eyes. Do not allow worry to rob you of victory.

Fear - Fear is faith in the Devil, this is the ultimate expression of not trusting in Christ.

Deny - Denying that you have a need to rest and let go of your troubles is a real sign of spiritual decay and a humanistic mindset. Going it alone or avoiding looking at problems and life through God's eyes always leads to ruin.

Holding On - Holding on to the trials, problems, activities, or the day will keep you from resting. When you have done all you can do to stand, stand, Relax and trust the Lord to take care of the opportunities of your life.

Benefits of Resting

1. You Renew Your Strength

2. Reflecting On Challenges Produces Confidence

3. Remembering Who Is In Control Assures Success

Go ahead and take a "sanctified slumber party" today. Take a load off your spirit and put it on the Holy Spirit. Rest in knowing that Jesus is working tirelessly on your behalf.

Daily Prayer Focus: Ask God to search your heart today: Are you truly Resting in Him, or are there signs of worry, fear, denial, or holding on. Pray that God will enable you to release these areas and walk in step with His perfect plan.

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

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 March 24, 2020
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2020 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.