On The Go Daily with Keith Cook

Monday, January 9, 2023

Cruise Directors, Parents, and God

Cruise Directors, Parents, and God by Keith Cook

"And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Exodus 33:14

Recently several couples and our friends joined my wife and I on a spectacular cruise around the Caribbean Islands. It was such a joy to relax and rest with good Christian friends.

We did not have to worry about anything. Joan could lounge by the pool onboard soaking up sun rays and I could work out in the health spa trying to work off the many calories I was ingesting each day by being able to eat as often and as much as I wanted.

The cruise director had games planned for each hour. There were special theme meals and nights, parades on board, concerts by famous musician and comedians, as well as fun shore excursions.

I loved having everything paid for in advance and not having to think about anything. It sort of reminded me of my childhood. No worries, no stress, no pressure. Everything was taken care of by my parents. Parents and cruise directors have almost the same task. They both want you to be happy, have fun, be safe, and get the most out of each day.

Your personal relationship with Jesus Christ should almost be the same way. He too wants you to be happy, have fun, be safe, and get the most out of each day. Why not follow His direction today and everyday. He wants to lead you and protect you. He also wants to challenge and inspire you in your walk with Him.

Take a cruise on the Gospel Ship and let Jesus be your guide!

Daily Prayer Focus: Lord help me today to rest in You. Help me to take time to be still and know that You are God.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's GoKids Clubs. The focus of GoKids Clubs is to present a clear Gospel message to young children in our festivals, missions, and local neighborhoods. Pray for On The Go as we minister to boys and girls and share with them the love of Jesus 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 January 9, 2023

Brought to you each day by 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

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Sunday, January 8, 2023

Jellyfish

Jellyfish by Keith Cook

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22

One night while sitting in my room onboard a cruise ship, one of my friends called me and with an excited voice said, "Go quick to your balcony and look out at the ocean. There are jellyfish everywhere!"

So I quickly ran to the door, and rushed out onto the balcony and peered over into the vast ocean below. I was riding on the largest cruise ship in the world so I had to look close to actually see the creatures in the ocean. But sure enough there were thousands of them. Every ripple made by our ship stirred up hundreds in our wake. It was fascinating to see so many of them. They looked so beautiful and peaceful.

Just looking at these sea creatures from above the water poses no threat, but as I was standing there my body shivered at the thought of falling in and being caught in the middle of such dangerous creatures. I have been stung by jellyfish while swimming in the ocean and their sting can really hurt.

Many of the things of this world look harmless from a distance and their beauty often attracts many to dive in and participate. But once the leap has been made the sting of the habit or the consequences of the action hits hard.

Be ware of the dangers of life. Look carefully before leaping into unknown situations.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will protect you from the dangers of the deep and the stings of sin.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go's "Adopt An Evangelist" program. This program provides funding and support for various missions and evangelists around the world.

On The Go Daily Devotion for January 8, 2023

Brought to you each day by On The Go / 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

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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, January 7, 2023

Stingray City

Stingray City by Keith Cook

"Beware of the Devil" "He sneaks around...looking for those he can devour." I Peter 5:8

Recently I was in the Grand Caymans scuba diving in just 12 feet of water. I am use to diving down to 100 feet and beyond, so the dive should have been safe and worry free.

The setting was beautiful. I knew the dive was going to be very exciting because I was with 39 of my friends and we were going to be surrounded by stingrays. Stingrays are wonderful sea creatures. While they have a fierce reputation, experienced divers can navigate quite safely underwater with them.

On the dive boat just before the dive the Dive Master gave us detailed instructions about diving with the stingrays. He said, "Be careful when feeding them." "Feed the rays but watch for smaller fish that may come in and try to steal the food."

When I finally could jump in the water I landed on top of a 10 foot Eel. I quickly said hello and put as much distance between it and myself as possible.

Once I was on the bottom of the ocean I was able to feed the stingrays. I was so excited. They were all around me. I was caught up in the moment. There was one stingray feeding out of my hand, one gliding under my feet and one at each side of me. It was scuba diving heaven.

Then out of nowhere a small Snapper Fish swam in and stole the food I had for the stingrays. It happened so fast. I was amazed. The fish actually bit my hand in order to get me to drop the bait and then snapped up the food.

In a spiritual sense this is just like the Devil, who hits us hard in one area of our lives in order to get us to drop our guard and then he sneaks into another area of our lives almost unnoticed. He then waits and looks for another opportunity to rob us of our joy or steal a blessing from us.

Daily Prayer Focus: Put on the Armor of God and pray that you will be aware of Satan's tricks. Pray that you will stand firmly in Christ.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The GoAudio Podcasts and Radio Ministries. Currently we are producing various programs which go over the internet and international airwaves. Pray that God will continue to bless the On The GoAudio Podcasts and that He will expand the listening base. Visit OnTheGo.org to hear past broadcasts.

On The Go Daily Devotion for January 7, 2023

Brought to you each day by 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

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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 5, 2023

Good Morning God

Good Morning God by Keith Cook

"Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD." Genesis 19:27

When I was just starting out in ministry I read several books by Norman Grubb. He wrote great mission biographies and books on the faith life. His retelling of the lives of great women and men of God inspired me and motivated me to trust God and daily live by faith.

Down through the years he and I talked on the phone and through letters about deep theological matters. He really was a transparent and very spiritual man. I miss him - but his legacy lives on in what he taught me about Christ. I want to pass on some of his insight and wisdom today.

Mr. Grubb had a practice of reciting a simple prayer every morning and he said it changed the way he lived his life. It also changed my life when I first heard it and started praying it myself.

Here is the prayer:

Good Morning God.

What are you up to today?

I want to be a part of it.

May I?

Thank you!

Now I am sure you know why his life and insights inspired me so. Today I think it would be wise and prudent for all of us to pray this simple prayer ourselves. Why not begin to include this simple prayer in your devotional times with God. Of course you can alter it or add to it, but this is a good place to start focusing in on talking with God about the great and small things in your daily life.

May God richly bless you as you find out what God is up to today and join him!

Daily Prayer Focus: Good Morning God. What are you up to today? I want to be a part of it. May I? Thank you!

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for January 5, 2023

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

Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go / Keith Cook Team

P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org

Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org

E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org

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Wednesday, January 4, 2023

What Is Going On

What Is Going On by Keith Cook

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Living in this world is getting really complicated. Countries are arming for war. Tourists are being targeted by terrorists. The news everyday has some sad and depressing story about a parent or authority figure being caught doing something immoral and shameful.

Who can you trust? Who can you rely on? There is only one sure and definite reply, Jesus.

God commands each of us to be strong and have courage. No matter what you face in your life or what you have been through He can be there for you.

He commands us not to be terrified by our culture or society and not to let the things of this world discourage us from living right and doing what we know we should be doing.

Your God and Savior, Jesus Christ will be with you in all your situations. Do not panic. No matter what is going on around you Jesus is right in the middle of it to provide a way out, a way through, or comfort in the midst of the situation. Rejoice in Him today.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for those around you who may not have the peace you have to face all that is going on in their lives. Be there for them. Offer the hope you have in Christ.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for January 4, 2023

Brought to you each day by On The Go / 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

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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, January 3, 2023

Make an Investment

Make an Investment by Laurie McTier

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38

On January 3, 1994, my father, Bobby Wilkerson, went home to be with the Lord. As I recollect on my dad's life, I am reminded of the legacy that he has left in the hearts of all who knew him.

My father was a big man. He had broad shoulders and a coarse voice, just to see him would deter some of my friends from talking with him. But to those who knew him, deep down inside, my dad was one of the most compassionate men I have ever met. As he saw a need, he did not turn his head, he turned his heart and reached out to make a difference and assist them at the point of their need.

One lesson that my father taught me over and over again was to give and it will be given back to you. Whether we were going on a trip to the grocery or on a family vacation, I'm reminded that every time my father saw a need, he was moved with compassion, and took time to lend a helping hand. It did not matter if he knew the individual or not, he felt it was his duty to give of himself and to help them at their point of need.

In 1993 my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. At the point of diagnosis, immediately his life changed. For nearly thirty years he had served as an engineer for the railroad. Now with the brain tumor, he could never drive a train again. Matter of fact, he was never able to work again. This devastated him. Our hearts were touched when those to whom he had worked with and reached out to for the past fifty four years of his life saw his need, they began to give back to him. Over the course of the next eight months of his life, his friends and family gave back to him ten-fold.

Every day is a gift from God. We have a choice to honor God in all that we do and seek to make an investment in the lives of others. We have one life, one chance to live this moment. You will never have the opportunity to relive today. Choose today to make a difference in someone's life. You will be glad you did.

Daily Prayer Focus: God, give us sensitivity today to the needs of those around us. May our lives be an investment for your Kingdom work.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for January 3, 2023

Brought to you each day by 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

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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, January 2, 2023

What Does the Lord Require?

What Does the Lord Require? by Joan Cook

When thinking about the New Year and what God would have me do in 2022, I look in the book of Micah 6:8. The Bible tells us, "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

1. Do Justice - stand up for the rights of those who can't defend themselves: the orphans, widows, unborn babies. When you know what is right and do not stand up for it, you are not standing up for justice.

2. Love Kindness - It is so easy for us to be kind and show love toward others. Being kind is one of the basic characteristics of a Christian's life.

3. Walk Humbly with God - Humility is valuing others - not making yourself look big by making others look small. Also, acknowledging that God is God and knowing we look to Him for our being.

If we can do these three things in 2022, we will do well! "Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God".

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that in 2022, you will do what the Lord requires of you.

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.

On The Go Daily Devotion for January 2, 2023

Brought to you each day by 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

______________________________________________

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.