The White Stone

Three Times!

2010-04-07T21:53:00.001-05:00

IDOK Devotion for Thursday, April 8, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: You may recall last year we prayed for Lisa Jeffers. At the time, she and her family were vacationing in Tennessee when their truck was swept away in a flash flood. The quick thinking and action of their 18 year old son saved their lives. However, Lisa was badly injured and not expected to live. She was in the hospital in Tennessee for a couple months, I think, before coming back to Bay Minette. Today, (Wednesday) she visited with my Baby Girl at a store in Bay Minette. Lisa is not without medical problems and must take a lot of medication BUT she is alive and even shopping!! Is our God good or what?!

Three Times!

Psalm 46 (NKJV)

1 God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear,

Even though the earth be removed,

And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,

Though the mountains shake with its swelling.

Selah

4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,

The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;

God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.

6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;

He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our refuge.

Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,

Who has made desolations in the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;

He burns the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

11 The LORD of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our refuge.

Selah

Did you notice that three times in eleven verses God said He is our refuge? Do you think He wants us to get it? I am reaching way back this morning, all the way to high school English grammar classes, or was the junior high? Whatever -- bear with me here. Do you remember learning about superlatives? Good, better, best. Crabby, crabbier, crabbiest. Cuddly cuddlier cuddliest. deep deeper deepest. zippy zippier zippiest. holy holier holiest. However, I am told the Hebrew and Greek languages do not have such superlatives, so when ABBA wants to say something to the greatest degree of emphasis, He says it three times: holy, holy, holy. Get it? HE IS OUR REFUGE! Selah.

You will also note the word Selah is used three times in these eleven verses. Perhaps we should take note of that too. I have been told for years that Selah means ‘pause and calmly think about that’. I have also been told that in poetry it denotes an interlude, a pause. But I like what I found this morning. Selah, [celah], is from the primary Hebrew root word [calah] which literally means 'to hang,' and by implication to measure (weigh). This is readily understood because in Biblical history, money, food and other valuables were 'weighed' by hanging or suspending them on a type of balance (the equivalent of our measuring scale) to determine their value.

So seeing that this Hebrew word [calah] means to 'measure,' as in weighing something in the balances, we better understand how the word Selah [celah], which is derived from it, is illustrating that we should measure or value what has been said. Taken from URL address:

http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/faq/selah.html

So this is what I think. To the highest degree of emphasis ABBA has said: ‘I AM your refuge and I want you to weigh this. I want you to see how heavy I am with this toward you.’ Do we see here that He is serious? And that we are to NOT take it lightly – HE IS OUR REFUGE. ACT LIKE IT! So what would acting like it, look like in you (and me) today? Selah!

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. Again, I like this, ABBA. And I like that it is not yet 8:30 Wednesday morning and Thursday’s devotion has come. I am so delighted! Let me not be so delighted that it has come that I do not see what it is that has come! You are my refuge – complete – none higher, none stronger, none wiser, none better. This is important. Holy Spirit, apply it, plant it, grow it in us I pray. And I pray now for our IDOKs; I want them to be protected today; protected from the evil one, the world and particularly their own flesh. I want them to make right decisions today. I want me to KNOW that You can be trusted today. I want them to KNOW they CAN believe You. They can be victorious today. They can make right decisions today. They can overcome their own fleshly desires today. They don’t have to give in to themselves. They can give themselves to You to experience Your Strength, Your Brilliance, Your Glory and Goodness. Me too, ABBA. Me too. Protect too our IDOK Troops; keep them safe from stray and intended hostile or friendly fire; surround them. Cause it to be that they receive You as their complete refuge today. And their families too. And all the Body of Christ, not only in America but around the world today. Tend the ill, the dying, the living, the wayward, the rebellious, the undecided. Thank You, ABBA, in Jesus Name and for His Sake. Amen and amen.

Snakes and Birds

2010-04-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

IDOK Devotion for Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: Remember Carolyn Brady on Friday – out patient surgery. Also Doylene for pending surgery, date uncertain.

Snakes and Birds

I am posting a response I received on Monday from a Sister IDOK. I think you will find it encouraging. I am meditating on your questions from this morning. I want to encourage you not to give up, or get discouraged, but to press on in prayer and in person. We cannot choose eternal destiny for others, we can only present the Good News and offer the gift of Salvation. The response is up to each person. But we can continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will hover over all of the lost and the Jesus rejecters, revealing the truth to them all!

Jeremiah 32:26-28 (NIV) 26 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 27 "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

I’ve also read the 3^rd chapter of Micah in a few translations and I’ve decided we need an army of Micah(s) in America.

(The Message Bible) 8But me—I'm filled with God's power, filled with God's Spirit of justice and strength, Ready to confront Jacob's crime and Israel's sin.

See what I mean? Whose names would you fill in for Jacob and Israel? And how ready are we to confront? How politically correct are we trying to be? And why? Would you agree there’s a fine line to walk? This Scripture has come to mind this week – do you think it fits?

Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

A little google-ing rendered this: serpents are prudent and discreet, cautious and avoid danger if at all possible. (http://bible.cc/matthew/10-16.htm )

Now, harmless as doves: To be harmless is to lack the capacity to injure or to be free from inflicting physical or mental damage. Other translations use “innocent” or “inoffensive” instead of “harmless” for this verse. Innocent means to be harmless in effect or intention. Inoffensive means to be giving no provocation. Doves aren’t referred to as the birds of peace for nothing. Their temperament is calm and their disposition is sweet. Doves do not bite. At most they might slap you with a wing if they are guarding the nest or do not want to be picked up. Doves really are harmless.

http://www.vcmagazine.org/article.aspx?volume=10&issue=9&article=harmless

This is what I think -- it is not too hard for God to enable us by His Spirit and His Might to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves and when we are we can do some good in this world! We can even affect Washington. Do you believe this?

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. This is encouraging, ABBA, to be wise as serpents. You know I’m not crazy about snakes but I do respect them and I agree they are cautious and they don’t go looking for trouble. And doves, I can see that about them, calm and a sweet disposition. Oh, my goodness, DADDY, what that would do for us – to be calm and have a sweet disposition. How wonderful that would be if the Body of Christ was full of calm, sweet tempered, cautious, not looking for trouble but willing to stand and defend when Your Word is violated, people. That is good. This needs to be so in us. And Your Word has already told us You can do it in us and through us. Forgive us for being so distracted that we have not submitted to You for this transformation. I am presenting myself again for You to do this in me. To empty me of me and fill me with You and I am praying for a bunch of IDOKs and Readers to do the same. You are so good to us. So good to never give up on us, and, ABBA, there’s a young man on my mind, he has done some really stupid, stupid, stupid things and now he is trapped, held captive and You are the ONLY ONE who can free him and at this point to my knowledge he is not going to cooperate with You. But You said nothing is too hard for You, so I am asking You to get him to the place of cooperating with You. He has a family that loves him; I don’t want to see him self destruct and I pray he will not. And Carolyn and this surgery, give her a textbook perfect procedure and recovery, I pray. And Doylene, guide her and help her make the right decision. And there are many, many other requests and You know better than I what they are and what is needed. So we are trusting You to do what is best for all listed here. And trusting You to take care of our IDOK Troops, to keep them safe, protected in spirit, soul and body in all the places they are and to take care of their families too. I’m still concerned about American politics, America’s rampant sin practices, including greed and insatiable desires for power – the corruption is so bad that without Your help this Nation will be destroyed. Please have mercy. Please raise up an army of ‘Micahs’. I get so frustrated, so often – help me stop doing that and trust You and just simply wait upon You and watch You work in me and in my sisters and brothers. I’m still asking You to raise up people to pray churches into Houses of Prayer. And I want in on it. You know I could go on talking to You until I fall asleep but for this post let me close and ask You to give our IDOKs, visions, personal visions for each of them as to what You want them to do in regards to churches being Houses of Prayer and us being wise as serpents and harmless as doves in this corrupt land and I am asking because I am confident that this is what Jesus is praying for us too. Amen and amen.

SOS Praising

2010-04-06T00:01:00.003-05:00

IDOK Devotion for Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests:

SOS Praising

I am anticipating that what I will be putting on this screen in the next several minutes is going to be way out there for some of you. In fact it may be so out there that some of you may click out shortly; but I’m pressing on. If my radical nuttiness will help just one, I’m all for it. It works for me and perhaps there is one other out there it will work for too. It takes practice and today’s success was not an overnight one. It’s been years in the making. The practice is so versatile; it can be adapted to many, if not all, situations. Here’s the deal. In the natural, I am a so seriously messed up human that dropping an item of clothing on the floor while making my way from the dryer to the bedroom to fold the clothes has in the past resulted in some negative emotions and some unhealthy self soul talk. But today, I caught myself doing some SOS Praising instead. What’s even better, it was spontaneous! I didn’t, this time, have to consciously will myself to do it! It went something like this: ‘LORD, thank You for the opportunity to bend over and pick this up. What a blessing it is to use these muscles. Thank You. I feel that; it feels good. Thank You.’

That’s it … that’s my message for today. Hope it’s helpful. And here’s our Biblical Support Text (I like that too - Biblical Support Text, BST):

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (New Century Version) 4 We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy's strong places. We destroy people's arguments 5 and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.

Radical nuttiness or not, I’m sold on SOS Praising. It works for me and ya’ll are welcome to try it on and give it a test run anytime.

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. This was fun, ABBA, and best of all it works. Thank You. Somehow I just believe You are pleased with my radical nuttiness. I sure am. And amid this radical nuttiness and SOS Praising, I have some SOS praying to do too. You know there are some hurting souls, close to my heart. Ones that are in real need of help with stuff they can’t fix, can’t control, can’t solve, can’t make others behave, can’t make others listen to sound doctrine or wisdom, can’t make others love the way they should; so I am asking You, LORD, to intervene with courage and peace to the hurting ones and with correction and arresting of bad and hurtful behavior to offenders everywhere. Have mercy on them, LORD, and grant them grace to repent and give them reasons to see that repentance is desirable I pray. Have mercy, DADDY, have mercy.

Please continue to protect our IDOK Troops in every place they are, hostile places abroad and here at home. It is our petition that they be safe and sound in spirit, soul and body. It is our desire that each of them come home safe and sound, that none be lost in their fields of service. Our list remains the same for the moment; hearts still waiting for relief, souls still needing to be made whole; folks waiting to know what to do and that’s just the general stuff; so glad You know all the specifics too and we know You are attending to each one. Thank You, ABBA. And I’m still thinking about what is required of us to see people saved and still asking You to bring me to the place of readiness to do what You require in Jesus Name and for His sake. And I’m still praying for Israel; still praying for America; still praying for churches to be Houses of Prayer; still praying for American Leaders to repent; still praying for the defeat of political officials holding office that have no desire to do what is right. And, in particular I pray for prayer meetings on City steps to be well attended and for Your Hand to felt and made know in little towns across this Nation. And the earthquake victims and the families of the deceased in Mexico/California comes to mind just now so I pray for help for them – for comfort, for water and food and a will to live and rebuild. It’s like I see You, LORD, walking among them, helping and loving on every soul willing to receive Your help – clothe that help in such a way they will receive it and when they are ready receive You in the process as Savior and Lord. Amen and amen.

Empty Altars - Why?

2010-04-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

IDOK Devotion for Monday, April 5, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests:

Empty Altars – Why?

It’s winding down, a day for remembering the greatest day in all of history – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! This was a high attendance Sunday. Sitting in the choir gave me an advantage. I could see that the House was full, not packed out but full enough late comers needed help to find a seat. Which said to me with 477 people in attendance the likelihood that ALL 477 of them are saved is slim indeed. In fact I’d say the likelihood of it is between nil and none. And when we prayed and we sang and we prayed and the altar was not flooded with folks confessing their sins and pleading to be saved, I was sad – still am. The nearly vacant altar proclaims that many walked in this Easter Sunday morning as Christ rejecters and walked out as Christ rejecters. How can that be? There is nothing sadder or more tragic than being a Christ Rejecter. To have heard that we are all sinners in need of a Savior and the Savior has come and the invitation is open to all to come, taste and see The LORD is good; come, taste and see that you can be forgiven, you can miss hell and gain heaven; yet they said no. No thank You to Jesus Christ. Did they hold the pew until their knuckles turned white? Why? Why did they say No? And one might say how do you know they said no? Because they didn’t say yes. Anything but a yes is a no – not today is still NO. And NO equals Christ Rejecter, however it’s dressed. Acts 26: 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” 29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

I’m sad. I’m wondering. I’m longing to say something, do something. Something so they will see. Where did they all go after service? Are they remembering the words of the Pastor? Is the song It Is Finished still playing in their heads? Will there be another chance for them? Why are the altars in the churches so vacant? Do you know?

And what of IDOK – I have to ask. Are we all saved? I wonder if on the receiving end of every IDOK email address if there is attached thereto a soul who has been wondrously saved. If yes, please pray with me and for me and for yourself that the Holy Spirit will revive us, that our altars will no longer be empty. And if no (you’re not saved), why? Why would you continue to be a Christ rejecter? Why would you say no to Him? Why would you choose hell over heaven? Why?

Mark 8: 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Anybody else out there feeling the same as me? Anybody else wondering why? Anybody else wanting to see some people saved? What’s DADDY telling you? What are we to do?

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. ABBA, talk to us. What is required of us to see people saved? Why are so few people coming to be saved these days in American churches? Why are altars so bare of people accepting Your Gift of Eternal Life? What are we doing wrong? What are we lacking? What are we missing? We need to know and we need to change. We need to line up with Your Word, LORD. Holy Spirit, please show us in practical step by steps what we are doing wrong and what You require of us and give us the courage and the will to let you change us for Jesus’ Name Sake. Amen and amen.

What Day? Every Day!

2010-04-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

IDOK Devotion for Friday, April 2, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: Torkel was able to come home from hospital yesterday (Wednesday). It was a week ago when he had open heart surgery. We have been so greatly blessed throughout this past week I know many prayers have been brought before the Lord on our behalf. We thank God for Idok and all the prayer warriors. God Bless everyone of you. Love Darlene

Carrie says Legrand is doing GREAT! He's busy with his rehab at the Center for the Intrepid and appointments - every day. He's still not sleeping very well. and they're working on that issue. But, he is eating and trying to get well.

They still need our continued prayers. (Visit here for more detailed updates.)

Jim is better - he has improved this past week. He is more alert and is moving around more. It is a challenge but I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again for the prayers and for being there for me. I appreciated it so much and love you all the more for your support. Mary.

What Day? Every Day!

Traditionally this is Good Friday. The day long held as the day Jesus was crucified. Personally I have some doubts – not that He died, I am as sure of that as if I had been there at the foot of the cross with His Mother, but maybe it was not Friday. Perhaps it was another day of the week. I have read expositions that the day of the crucifixion was Friday and others that say it was Wednesday. Personally I lean toward Wednesday but I could be wrong. Some writers think the answer lies in understanding the Jewish calendar and the fall of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Sabbaths. I’d be the first to say I don’t understand all that – I wish I did. I am certain of this though: Matthew 12: 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

However we reconcile three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (that means dead to me) and a Friday crucifixion is between us individually and the Holy Spirit. Some say partial days and partial nights can be counted as full days and full nights … be that as it may; the point is Jesus died. Not swooned and then in a cool grave, revived. No, He was grave-yard dead, no pulse, no heartbeat, no brain waves – D.E.A.D! Dead! Brutally beaten, whipped, spit upon, cursed at, His beard ripped from His face, every conceivable horror, was unleashed upon Him and He died. Now tell me what’s good about that? Nothing! Other than the fact that He loved me enough to do it because I needed Him to.

But Jesus’ death alone has not saved us; could not, cannot save anyone. His death alone is not enough. I Corinthians 15: 14And if Christ has not risen, then our preaching is in vain [it amounts to nothing] and your faith is devoid of truth and is fruitless (without effect, empty, imaginary, and unfounded). 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is mere delusion [futile, fruitless], and you are still in your sins [under the control and penalty of sin]; 18And further, those who have died in [spiritual fellowship and union with] Christ have perished (are lost)! 19If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hope only in this life and that is all, then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied. 20But the fact is that Christ (the Messiah) has been raised from the dead, and He became the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep [in death].

So commemorate Good Friday as you will; celebrate December 25 as His birthday and this year April 4 as Resurrection Day – pinpointing the day of the week should not be the issue – the FACT that He was born, lived a sinless life, was crucified and ROSE AGAIN is our salvation and He is worthy of our rejoicing, giving thanks, praise and worship EVERY DAY of the week for every day of our lives!

Celebrate, Dear Ones, the LORD is Risen! And He’s coming back to get us to take us HOME to live with Him FOREVER!! And that’s the truth whatever day of the week you say it.

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. Well, ABBA, again we are here and the hour is late – a lot has been packed into this day and You have been so good to me, to all of us. I’ve heard good reports from more than a few sources today. The news that Torkel is home and Legrand is improving and so is Jim and other reports too; thank You. LORD, You know how I am, You know the day of the week, You know what You said about the three days and three nights, I know You did not lie, I know You not only told and do tell the truth, You are truth. I am not only saved but I am safe with You. Thank You. And again tonight before we close this for posting and sending thank You for taking care of our IDOK Troops and we again pray for their safety and protection in all the hostile places they are. We ask that each of our IDOK Troops come home safe and sound. And we ask that their families be at peace and holding down the forts at home with holy living as they wait. Thank You for Israel; I pray for their peace and protection. I pray for America, for a great revival in this land; a revival of holiness and patriotism; and I pray for Leaders who are adverse to this, I must ask for mercy, I must ask for grace. LORD, You know that is not easy, but more than anything else I want to do right and pray right. I love you, LORD. Give rest, sweet and peaceful sleep to our IDOKs and Readers and as we wake to ‘Good Friday’, I pray we will determine it to be a good day in Your Name, and will bring glory to Your Name and pleasure to Your Throne. Amen and amen.

Control

2010-04-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

IDOK Devotion for Thursday, April 1, 2010

"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year." - American humorist Mark Twain

Mark Twain was a better writer than I can hope to be but a fool I’m not, not any day of the week since November 18, 1975. However, from time to time I do still fall for a trick or two that is way foolish!

Just a little humor … very little – no fooling.

So can you guess what happened on November 18, 1975 that would cause me to say since then I’m no fool? And do you know the Scripture text from whence I make that statement?

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests:

Control

I sing in the choir … no fooling. Not because I have a pleasant voice, not because I sing parts well (truth be told, I have trouble singing parts at all – unison is the best I can do); it is for none of these reasons I sing in the choir. I sing in the choir of Satsuma First Baptist Church because something spiritual is going on there and I want to be a part of it. Tonight for example as we sang a beautiful arrangement of It Is Well, James insisted that we closely examine the words we were singing, particularly this verse:

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

We know from experience when trials come, when Satan is allowed to punch us in the gut, something or someone will control how we respond to the buffeting. And WHO does that controlling will make all the difference in us and will greatly influence anyone who loves us and maybe even a few who don’t love us so much. If the blest assurance that Jesus IS mindful of our helpless estate; that He was and is so mindful of our condition that He shed His own blood to redeem our entire being, then that controlling thought will give us voices to say in beautiful harmony: It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Is there presently a trial going on? Is someone reeling from a punch in the gut? Choose to take heart, Dear One, and let this blest assurance control – JESUS knows and He has regarded your very estate and He has shed His very own blood to take care of you in this present distress. Sing it with me. It is well, it is well, with my soul.

You knew I would not leave you without a YouTube didn’t you? This verse is left out but the rendition and video is too powerful to leave off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVlcR493rUM

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. ABBA, the hour is late as we come to this portion of ministry and I am drawn to sleep but not yet; not until I ask You to minister this message to the hearts of Your people; not until I ask You to give courage and help to every person written here on this screen; not until I praise You for what You are going to do for Andrew. You know the trial, You know the punch in the gut; You know his needs and we declare right now You are faithful; You have not been caught off guard and You, O LORD, are the ONE in control, not a man sitting behind a desk examining spread sheets. But, ABBA, he needs blessing too. He needs to know it is for his sins You died and rose again. I don’t know is his name but I pray he will come to know YOURS and will receive the mercy and grace and life eternal You desire to give him.

I pray too for our IDOK Troops, for their safety again today and for safe returns home for each of them. I pray for Israel; I know Your Hand is upon them; thank You. You know our heart cries, each of us, IDOKs and Readers, and for each of us I pray now for rest and refreshing sleep. Wake us in the morning to praise and worship. Holy Spirit, remind us and move us to know and sing it is well, it is well, with my soul, in JESUS name it is well. In JESUS name we are calling those things that are not as though they were, not for our glory but for Yours, LORD JESUS. Amen and amen.

Chop, Chop, Pull

2010-03-31T05:46:00.001-05:00

IDOK Devotion for Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests:

Chop, Chop, Pull

I did a little gardening yesterday; no, my back, my hands and my knees are correcting me – I did a lot of gardening yesterday, at least for me. Did you know, you really have to dig and pull to get monkey grass up? And call me crazy, but after awhile of that a comparison settled in on me. It did not take too many times of chop, chop, pull for me to begin to enjoy the sound of roots breaking loose from the soil. And with that sound I wondered aloud if ABBA enjoys that sound too. Shall I explain? Sometimes we have roots – weed roots. Roots like bitterness, un-forgiveness, unbelief, to just name a few, growing in our hearts. And being daughters and sons He loves ABBA has no choice, He has to chop, chop, pull to get those things out of us. So in my ‘sanctified imagination’ I compared my enjoyment of my ‘monkey grass sounds’ to what He may ‘hear’ when as we read His Word and pray, and our weed roots start breaking loose from the soil of our hearts and our habits; does He enjoy that sound? I think He does. I think it is music to His ears. It sure was to mine yesterday because I knew when I heard those sounds that it would not be but a few more pulls and that monkey grass would be out of my garden! Yep! Yesterday I was rejoicing to monkey grass sounds. Will ABBA be rejoicing today to similar sounds? Dare any of us think we have no weeds growing? How about we make some noise today? Chop, Chop, Pull!

Hebrews 12: 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. Some may call me crazy, ABBA, but I don’t care, I enjoyed writing this message today – it’s cute to me but at the same time a really good message I think. And You know as I was pulling that monkey grass yesterday I really did wonder with You if You enjoy the sound of entrenched roots coming loose and letting go from our hearts and our habits. Even if there is no real sound other than our praise and Your delight, I still enjoyed thinking of it and writing about it this morning. I am grateful for the fun we have together. I am grateful for You LORD JESUS and the Event of all events we are about to celebrate – Your Sacrificial Death and Glorious Resurrection - so I can even have such a relationship with You to wonder and enjoy You. Thank You. I am so looking forward to seeing You Face to face.

And this morning we know we are so privileged and we are honored to bring this list of names to You in prayer. It is so good that we can time after time come and each time You will hear us and You are all the while responding, tending and healing us. Thank You. Thank You for what You are doing and shall yet do for each one of these. Thank You for tending and protecting our IDOK Troops. I am so very grateful for the safety You have given each one on our list here. You are so good to us and we love You so much, ABBA. In You, loving You, obeying You, fellowshipping with You, life is good even when hard stuff comes. You make it all worthwhile. You are Awesome. As we sum this up, I pray for our IDOKs and our Readers today, for peace, for safety, and for some chop, chop, pull today. I pray we will make some noise with roots letting go that are growing some pretty nasty stuff. We want to have hearts like lovely gardens, beautiful fruit that feeds all You send our way. You are so good to let us be co-laborers with You. And yet I must say, please forgive me for growing the weeds of laziness and procrastination that so hinders me from helping people. Make some noise in me today, ABBA, in Jesus name. Amen and amen.

Holy Hugs...

Soul Rest

2010-03-30T05:55:00.001-05:00

IDOK Devotion for Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: I don’t recall to whom I said it but I do remember saying that I am smitten with the Grand Strickland Family. More and more there is reasons for that. This is the latest update: Grand was honored at the Tulsa Workshop as a Hero of Faith. We heard many wonderful comments about the well-deserved tribute.

Here are some words from his precious wife, Carrie. "Day by day this man continues to amaze me.....I know on Caring Bridge it was shared about his testimony the other day...but all I can say is that I wish I had the faith this man has!!! When he asked me to sing, "It is Well" and he sang with me...jaws shut, tears filling up his eyes, and singing with all his heart, that was a moment with him I will never forget! After we were finished singing, that is when he said, 'At first, I thought, we should just go blow the people who did this to me up, but then I felt that was wrong...because God could have done that to us...but he sent Jesus, he came and did everything he could for us, and we tortured and killed him, we stuck a sword in his side, and a crown of thorns on his head, and he suffocated and died for us....if I had to do this all over again, I would, if it meant I could save one person...if I could help one person come to know God!'...... Thank you Father, for this precious man!!!

And last of all, please remember Grand as he starts his rehab at the Center for the Intrepid tomorrow. It's a new beginning for him and Carrie, and pray for his strength and determination to continue to grow and burst forth.

Psalm 62:1-2 "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (NIV)

Soul Rest

What more could I add to that? That’ll preach, won’t it? But I did a little research anyway with my online Hebrew Lexicon for the Hebrew words for our English words: soul and rest. Soul is transliterated Nephesh and it is – appetite, mind, desire, emotion, passion, the seat of emotions, passion. And rest is manowach coming from the word nuwach. Manowach is a resting place, a state or condition of rest, repose. Nuwach is to settle down, remain, and to abandon. This is what I see here, when my soul, that is my appetites, is abandoned to God alone, then I shall not be shaken. If my appetites or my emotions are all over the page, are not settled into God, then I am like a reed in the wind – just getting the stew beat out of me. So if this is describing us this morning, let us check our appetites, our desires, our minds and our emotions, are we abandoned to God alone? Yes? Then we will have a sweet day even when sour things come at us. No, not abandon to ABBA? Well, we know what’s coming, don’t we? In Him alone we have Soul Rest.

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. Thank You, ABBA, for this ministry. Thank You for this Word this morning. We need it. I want my appetites, all of them abandoned to You. I want to want nothing that You don’t want for me. I’m not there I think but I am asking You, Holy Spirit, to get me there. Thank You for the privilege of even across the miles sharing this journey with the Strickland family. I pray for their strength and devotion to continue. I pray for Grand to be healed and for those missing legs to take him further with You and Your Kingdom than he could have gone with them. Thank You, that You are You and You make no mistakes and Your love for us NEVER fails. We pray to grow more and more like You. And we are continuing to pray for each one listed here. As our eyes looked at each name, there are some really serious situations, some physical, some emotional and the most serious ones I think, the rebellion, the waywardness of soul – souls having not rested themselves in You alone, these are the most serious I think. Yet we pray for them all, for each to be blessed and favored; for each to release themselves to You and find that You are completely faithful to heal spirits, souls and bodies.

And we pray for our IDOK Troops to be protected and come home safe. Thank You that Greg is home, safe and sound. Thank You for each one that has come home safely – we pray so will the rest of them.

Thank You for our IDOKs and Readers – You know each, You see their faces, You see their hearts, their desires, You know what they need today and I pray they shall have it this very day. As each of them wake I pray they will say Good Morning to You first and remain in fellowship with You all day, until they sleep again. And it is in Jesus Name I pray. Amen and amen

No Flake Outs Please

2010-03-29T00:01:00.002-05:00

IDOK Devotion for Monday, March 29, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: Dear Prayer Warriors, my brother (Terry Hinton) was hired today (Friday) by a large company in Mobile County! Thank you so much for praying for him. He had been out of work since last July. God's timing is always perfect! Lovingly, La Juanna

I got this from a friend (Karen Peacock) who had gotten it from a friend. I don't know where this child lives (Maybe in our area?) This baby needs our prayers! The parents do too!

There’s a lady that works in the seamstress shop next to our office (we share the same building). She just had a new granddaughter 3 weeks ago. The baby has cancerous tumors behind both eyes (I know- it’s awful). Anyway, the baby and Mom and Dad are up at St. Jude Hospital right now and they just got the word that the baby is going to have to take 6 months of chemo. Her name is Lailah Dawn Jasmine Havens. We are going to do some fund raising for the family sometime soon. I’ll let you know when we do it. But, please add this sweet baby to your prayer list. The Dad works for Lowe’s (as far as I know, just a regular clerk position). The Mom doesn’t work, so money is an issue, but thankfully they do have insurance!!!! Martha.

No Flake Outs Please

The days since we last met at this screen have been FINE days – I have enjoyed the company of my beloved and my BELOVED.

I think I will be brief this evening – morning as you read.

Exodus 13:17 HCSB When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road to the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearby; for God said, “The people will change their minds and return to Egypt if they face war.”

When we find ourselves guided the long way around, it’s because DADDY GOD knows were He to take us the short way, we’d run out on Him before we reached that place of maturity, that place of blessing He desires to take us. When we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place and we are there through no fault of our own, we have to KNOW that ABBA has purposed it for our good. And even when we are in a wilderness of our own doing and the road out is long and hard and hot and dusty, we can be sure it is thus because our GOD knows if it were any other way we’d wind up back in ‘Egypt’ in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. Contrary to the opinion of some (not any of us, of course) God does not enjoy seeing us suffer; nor does He EVER allow us to suffer just for the sake of suffering.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

How glorious to be as mature as was Paul here … Lets not flake out on DADDY GOD on these long, dusty roads and we will get there too. Be encouraged – you are not alone.

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. I’ve enjoyed these days, ABBA. I enjoyed the sermons I heard today. And I am grateful for this message too. Holy Spirit, I pray You will use it to encourage and give strength and courage to our IDOKs and Readers.

We come now praising You for Terry’s job. Thank You. I hardly know how to pray for Lailah and her family, we know so little about her, where she is, how she is doing by this time – none of that and so we just trust You and entrust her to You for Your Perfect Will to be done. And we come bringing all these others listed here too. Thank You for the good gifts You have for each of them and we pray we will open our hearts and our arms to receive them. I ask for rest for our IDOKs and Readers. I ask for protection and safety for our IDOK Troops and their families. And, Holy Spirit, I ask that You revive us, mature us and motivate us to worship and tell everybody we know that JESUS is ALIVE and COMING AGAIN. Amen and amen.

WHY?

2010-03-25T23:00:00.004-05:00

IDOK Devotion for Friday, March 26, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: John Schafer: I give God all the credit for all He has done in bringing my dad through a high-risk surgery, a heart attack, and two TIA's. And I thank all of you who remembered him in your thoughts and prayers. He is happy to be home and is doing well with his continuing recovery. Janet

WHY?

Mark 5:35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” 40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. 43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

Do you ever feel like the LORD tells you to do some of the stupidest things? I wonder if the Ruler of the Synagogue, even for a moment, thought that way as soon as he heard his daughter was dead and Jesus said do NOT be afraid; only believe. Can you hear him saying, ‘Well, I believe she is dead, LORD’. We would never think to say such to Him, would we? But you know, the Ruler was willing to give Jesus a chance. Other Texts tell us he asked the LORD to help his unbelief. So I figure it this way, if it’s good enough for the Rule of the Synagogue, it’s good enough for me! When I am so scared by my circumstances that in my old nature I want to believe the problem rather than God, I’ll just admit that to Him, and give Him a chance to heal my unbelief. Sounds like a plan to me – how about ya’ll?

What do we have to lose by believing God? What did the Ruler of the Synagogue have to lose? His daughter was already dead. How much worse could it get? Plenty worse! Refusing to give God the chance to heal our unbelief will steal the ‘living’ right out of us!

Well, I thought I was done; but I’m not. Go back with me to the top of the Text. The people from the Ruler’s house said WHY. Why bother the Teacher any further? Why, indeed! And when Jesus gets to the Ruler’s house HE says WHY. Why are you making this commotion and weeping?

Their ‘why’ was spoken because they figured death is the end. She’s dead, nothing can be done now. And Jesus knows death is only the beginning. Ooh! I like that! Then Jesus asked them ‘why’? Not because He didn’t know but because THEY didn’t know. They didn’t know that death is only the beginning! They didn’t have any idea that this JESUS was (is) LORD even over death. Just may be some of them hung around and when they saw He raised the Little Girl from death, perhaps they got healed of their own death - unbelief. It pays to hang around Jesus. We can learn a lesson here: hang around Jesus long enough and we just might see some folks raised from the dead and some unbelieving souls healed!

One more point and I really am done! The Amplified Bible, verse 36 reads this way: 36 Overhearing but ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear; only keep on believing. I really like this Translation because Jesus said to the man, KEEP ON believing; which means he came to Jesus in the first place with faith (it just needed strengthening). It says to me that when the FACTS = fear, we have a precious opportunity to keep on believing. Why would we waste it? Why, indeed!

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. ABBA, I think these are good lesson; they are not new ones; we’ve heard them before, but hearing them again helps and reinforces that ‘hanging around’ You really is a good idea; that giving You a chance to do what You can do is a really good idea. We have nothing to loose but ‘death’ when we believe You. I really like this. I hope others will too. I pray it will make a holy difference in us. As I sit here typing and communing with You the day is far spent and yet it is still hours before I will push the send button; a lot could happen between now and then; I’m so glad none of it will take You by surprise and You are LORD over it and we can afford to trust You. More than that we really do have the faith to believe You, You already gave it to us. Thank You.

Please again protect our IDOK Troops and their families. Please again continue to have mercy on this Nation. Forgive the sin sick. I am so sorry, ABBA, please have mercy. And, again, I am asking for prayer warriors to arise and give praise and petitions in Your House all over this Nation on behalf of the sinners and the saints. I heard again last night that it’s not preaching or music that brings revival but PRAYER. LORD, help us IDOKs pray down and up a revival in the Body of Christ.

And I dare not close this without praying for every soul and situation represented by this list. You amaze me that You know it all and You know just what is the right and the BEST thing to do for each one. That not the tiniest detail escapes You. And let us be a part of what You are doing at whatever level You will. We are a needy people, LORD; those of us praying and those we are praying for. Thank You for taking care of us. Thank You for being GOD and thank You for coming down here so we could come up to You. More and more I am looking forward to SEEING You; thank You for that. Amen and amen in Jesus Name.

Holy Hugs.

The Glorious Adventure -- He KNOWS!

2010-03-25T06:03:00.001-05:00

IDOK DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: I have been lovingly told today that when I keep my own prayer needs from you that I rob you of a blessing. I do not want to do that, so here goes. On April the 1^st I am scheduled for an echo cardiogram. It is more or less a screening and we do expect it to be good. I had a Calcium Deposit CT done last Friday and received a score of 0 which is a perfect score. You might know I am still rejoicing over that one – only time I know of that I have been thrilled about a zero on a test. On the 19^th of April I am scheduled for a colonoscopy consult and I expect that dreaded procedure to be set a few days after. My blood work gave me some great news and some not so great news. My good cholesterol is really good – 57. My Trigs are 125. My bad cholesterol is well not so great – 155. SO the doctor says mega doses of fish oil for me. And I have prescribed an even better food plan and that nasty stuff called exercise for myself! I am already set for a re-test June 19. So! If you were to remind ABBA from time to time that you really love me and that if He’d make sure I have a heart that is not too small and not enlarged to a puffed up size (physically and spiritually speaking); have a colon with no polyps, and a phenomenal drop in LDL by June 19, that wouldn’t hurt my feelings a bit. :) Thank you my sweet friends!

The Glorious Adventure

He Knows!

While listening and watching a Special on Daystar Television – The Life of Jesus Christ – I gave Clap Praises and thought to myself and said aloud to Him that to look upon His Face, meet His Eyes with mine, and have Him smile at me, without a doubt, is and would be the greatest thing to ever happen to me. I honestly can think of NOTHING greater. May it be so for each of us!

I was so impressed yesterday with the fact that God Knows. Beth’s (Moore) daughter put it this way: He knows it’s scary to be us. I urge you to take the time to listen and view yesterday’s Wednesdays with Beth segment. Here’s a link, be patient with the loading of it – the message is worth the wait. http://lifetoday.tv/qt/2010/03/100324.htm

For today let me give you a key statement from Jesus Lives by Sarah Young found on page 16 (Jesus speaking, of course): I want to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must seek to know ME in greater depth and breadth instead of striving for a safe lifestyle.

I’ve read Psalm 63 in various Translations and Paraphrases (I really like The Message version) but I have chosen The Amplified to share with you here this morning. We should allow this Psalm to take a reading on our hearts -- how abandoned to THE Glorious Adventure are we?

Psalm 63 (Amplified Bible)

1 O GOD, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is.

2 So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary to see Your power and Your glory.

3 Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.

4 So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

5 My whole being shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips

6 When I remember You upon my bed and meditate on You in the night watches.

7 For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice.

8 My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.

9 But those who seek and demand my life to ruin and destroy it shall [themselves be destroyed and] go into the lower parts of the earth [into the underworld of the dead].

10 They shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a prey for foxes and jackals.

11 But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him [that is, who binds himself by God's authority, acknowledging His supremacy, and devoting himself to His glory and service alone; every such one] shall glory, for the mouths of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. ABBA, it helps, it feels good to know that You know and that You care more than we have believed. It feels good to experience You ‘reading my mail’. It feels good for You to ‘look over my shoulder’ so to speak. It feels good to experience You tending me, especially when You are correcting and disciplining me. And this Glorious Adventure, I’d like to experience that more with You. I am trusting You will get me to the place of abandonment so I can. And not just me but every one of our IDOKs and Readers that will sign up to go along with You. Make it so. Make it so.

You know the cries of our hearts today. You know the needs of the people listed here today. You know how scary it is to be us, to be in the places we are. Some scary places and people in them are coming to my mind in this moment – a family having set their minds on divorce – it’s so sad, they are opening a door that they do not know - I pray they will hear You and will repent and refuse to walk though that door. Families with financial needs come to mind too – that’s a scary thing for us but it can be a good thing, can’t it?- if we let it train us to depend on You. So I am asking You to provide for their debts to be paid and above that to bring them to the place of trust and correction and a brighter financial future. And there are multiple families with chronic and severe illness and disease – these are so very scary and taxing and draining and consuming of life and we’d rather these things just go away and we all be well and restored and healthy and free but not our will but Your Will be done. And some of us have a pain in the neck, help us work that out. And our IDOK Troops, as always we pray for them and thank You so much for this ministry to them, asking You to daily protect them, daily comfort and encourage and yes correct and discipline and provide support to them, spiritually, emotionally and physically and for their families too. And I have not forgotten, Your House is to be a House of Prayer – keep calling us to prayer and help us come and pray in Jesus Name. Amen and amen.

As I post this it is 77°F and mostly cloudy in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 2:03 PM AST on March 25, 2010.

Good Pleasure

2010-03-24T06:21:00.001-05:00

IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: Torkel spent the night at Thomas Hospital and had open heart surgery at 7:30 A.M. and was finished at 9:00 A.M. His doctor repaired the aneurysm and replaced the aortic heart valve. He didn't have any blood transfusion and surgery went perfect. He is getting excellent care his nurses have been wonderful.

Please continue to keep us in prayer as he goes through the two next weeks. His biggest hurdle is to get the drain tubes (hopefully by tomorrow) out of his chest cavity as they are uncomfortable and painful.

Everything about his surgery has been well planned by our heavenly Father. To all who have brought us before the Lord in prayer "thank you", we have been so greatly blessed by those prays. I have felt a great peace through this week and especially the past two days it could only been from God. Love Darlene

LeGrand Strickland Tuesday, March 22, 2010

. . . we need a lot of prayers! It has been a rough weekend, they tried two times yesterday after 60 hr. w/o food to insert the feeding tube - did not work! PLEASE pray Grand will eat, which is hard because his mouth is banded shut, but he can drink protein, so please continue to ask that for him. Thank you!
After a very busy day for Grand, he is FINALLY asleep! We found out he has loss of hearing in both ears, and we won't be leaving the Hilton (hospital) until he eats! He has lost even more weight.
Thank you all for your suggestions. Let's pray they work...he is getting skinnier by the SECOND, and he promised tomorrow he would try the stuff we bought. Doc said it may be too late; they may have to go thru the stomach. I just want him to get better, so I'll take whatever works!

Num 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."

Good Pleasure

Of this I am certain, as many important things as I have to do today, as many important things as you have to do today, there is NOTHING more important than one on one time with Jesus. Moreover, living this life successfully is in direct portion to the time we spend one on one with Jesus in prayer. I am more convinced of that this morning than ever before I think. You all are so very important to me. I have a sense of responsibility and accountability to you that I don’t even know how to explain. I often have a sense of urgency to get something on this screen to send to you. And when the morning comes and there is nothing on the screen, I become way concerned. Such was the case this morning. And I came to the screen first – that was not good. I was so concerned about having something to write to you that I sat to write before taking my prayer journal in hand and walking out one on one time with Jesus. The good news is I got up from here --- and now I’m back and now I can say to you, of all the important things you have to do today, the most important thing you have to do today before you greet the world, before you even say hello to those hungry babies that you have to get out the door, if you want to live this life successfully, you better grab and hold on to at least a few minutes of one on one time with Jesus before you do anything else. If we want to live successfully, He better be the FIRST person we speak to. We better ‘see’ His holy Face before we see the face of any other. I’m just saying … if you don’t have at least a few minutes of one on one, ‘Face to face’ with JESUS first thing in the morning, every morning, even before your first cup of coffee, --- well, it ain’t good! I’m not fussing. I’m just saying, I got some experience going here. And this morning He told me to tell you it is His good pleasure to tend to you. It is His good pleasure to look upon you with love and grace and mercy. He is in love with you. Luke 12: ³² “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. ABBA, You’ve made me smile this morning and this lesson, oh it feels so good – Your Good Pleasure to love me. Oh my goodness, how good You are to me. Thank You! Holy Spirit, I pray You will open up our IDOKs and Readers and tuck this little message into their hearts and it will grow into beautiful, delightful, nourishing fruit.

I so appreciate this good news about Torkel. I am so grateful too that IDOK is a part of the peace and blessings Darlene is experiencing. It feels so good to be ‘partnered’ with You. Thank You. And these drain tubes, we pray they come out easily without complication and Torkel will keep on healing and soon be restored.

And I pray by now that Grand is eating. I am just so smitten with this family. Thank You. And this morning I know more than before that it is Your Good Pleasure to bless not only Grand and Carrie but Torkel and Darlene and Ryder and every other name on this list … not one of them is left out! Oh, my goodness You are so good! Thank You for taking good pleasure in us and it is our prayer that we will take good pleasure in You.

Specifically, as we do daily we bring our IDOK Troops for inspection and safety and protection – we entrust them again and their families. Thank You ABBA in Jesus name. Amen and amen.

As I post this it is 79°F and partly cloudy in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 2:21 PM AST on March 24, 2010.

Light Bulbs

2010-03-22T20:17:00.003-05:00

IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: Rose had a 20% blockage in the front of her heart. They aren't going to do anything about that now. They have given her medication to help slow her heart down. It is beating too strongly. She is at home and sleeping hard. Torkel: His heart cath showed a 30% blockage in one area, this is considered a small blockage so no need to repair it. He is still scheduled for aortic aneurysm repair and the aortic valve replacement tomorrow (23rd) at 7:30 A.M.

Light Bulbs

As I was ironing today I watched Christian television and I heard a prominent host say, ‘back in those days we prayed the light bulbs into the studio.’ They were reminiscing about tight budgets, making do with what they had, praying about everything, even light bulbs. Why? -- Because in those days they had no supplier but God. What a blessed state to be in: to experience that God alone supplies our needs! What would happen if today Christian Churches all over the land knew our only supplier is God? What if we were not rich? What if we were not prominent? What if we were not so privileged, would we pray for light bulbs? And would those bare light bulbs give off a glow that crystal chandeliers cannot match? Are we so rich, are we so privileged that we only recognize our need for God when we hit a brick wall of disease, illness, political unrest, divorce, rebellious children or prolonged and drastic stock market downturns? Do you think even the super saints of today compared to Paul and Silas are mediocre? And if so where does that leave me? Is it because we don’t ‘need’ to pray for light bulbs anymore? Now before you jump on me, I realize that homelessness could be only a few paychecks away for many of us. Yet here in America, at least for now, even the homeless are privileged when compared to most of the world’s population. I am quick to admit; I like comfort as well as anybody and probably dislike discomfort as much as anybody. I’m just wondering. I just pitching it out here: Do you think we could circumvent the need for the ‘Blessing of Less’ if we started now praying for our ‘light bulbs’? I’m just saying given the option of learning of my own volition to be content like Paul or DADDY having to ‘convince’ me, I’d like to start my ‘circumvent classes’ right now. I’d rather not wait for the ‘convincing’. How about you?

Philippians 4: 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. DADDY GOD, You know the day each of us have had; You know our successes and You know our failures. We appreciate the successes and we give You praise for each one; the failures we give those to You too trusting You to bring something good out of them. We pray for Torkel’s procedure that it will be textbook perfect; that the doctor and staff will be rested tonight; that Torkel will rest tonight and Darlene too. We pray for Rose that the medication will do just what it is supposed to do and she will soon be restored. We pray for Ryder that he will thrive and be able to go home with his Mom and Dad even sooner that the doctors expect. We pray for protection and safety for our IDOK Troops. Thank You so much for the way You have watched over them these many years. Thank You for the steady healing for Grand – we are looking forward to the completion of it. And we pray now for each one on our list. Thank You for entrusting this ministry of prayer to us. We appreciate it and we pray to honor You with it. We pray to be effective. We pray to be people whose prayers avail much. Rest the weary I pray. Heal the sick; rescue the perishing and put up roadblocks for those having made wrong turns. Correct our thinking; drive far from us those things that we practice that dishonor You; draw us together as a family; give us servant hearts; give us hearts that weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. And, LORD, arrest bad behavior; set captives free in Jesus name. Amen and amen.

As I post this it is 50°F and clear in Balad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 4:17 AM AST on March 23, 2010.

Hold Fast

2010-03-21T22:40:00.002-05:00

IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests:

Hold Fast

Be of good courage. What the House and the President mean for evil DADDY GOD means for good. Genesis 50: 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

I am heart sick that our land is filled with flaunters of evil and cowards but still we must be our good courage. What Satan and his minions in Washington mean for our destruction, ABBA means for our good. Hold fast. Hold fast.

1 John 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.

By the Power of Almighty God that resides in you, do not lose heart, do not allow bitterness nor hatred to rob you of the peace and joy that our God has for us even though godless men and woman have refused to hear our voices and have cast votes to line their pockets and plush their offices. Continue to pray, pray, pray. This world is not our home. We are looking for a city whose builder and maker is our God. Hebrews 11:10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Lift up your heads, give praise to our God and Father; read the end of THE BOOK. We win!! Until then keep the faith. Matthew 10: 16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Again I say. Be of good courage. Hold fast. Hold fast. Our God inhabits the praises of His people. We must praise Him now. We must not be discouraged. We must lift our faces and allow Him to give us peace and joy.

Psalm 22:3 (Amplified Bible) But You are holy, O You Who dwell in [the holy place where] the praises of Israel [are offered].

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. DADDY GOD, You know my tears, You know I hate what has happened this very night in Washington; but I trust You. Poor, pitiful men think they are in control; forgive them, they know not what they do. Encourage us, LORD. Help us praise You and expect You to bless us and provide for us in the midst of the evil that is corrupting and destroying this Country. This is yet Your World, LORD. We declare that it is Yours and no one can take it from You. Praise You LORD. Praise You! I ask You to help us forgive. I ask You to help us put down and refuse to walk in disgust and hatred but to walk in peace and love – Your peace and Your love.

ABBA, thank You for Grand’s continued progress. We entrust Torkel and Rose to You for their respective heart caths and surgeries; we trust You ABBA. You are Great and You are Good. We believe You. We trust You in all things. We trust You for the good of every name written here. We trust You for watch care and safe keeping of our IDOK Troops and their families. We trust You in Jesus Mighty and Holy Name. Amen and amen.

As I post this it is 50°F and clear in Baghdad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 6:40 AM AST on March 22, 2010.

Pour Out - Pour In

2010-03-18T22:03:00.001-05:00

IDOK DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: The Davis/Williamson Family are in need of prayer. Mr. Davis transitioned to Heaven and a memorial service is being planned. Mrs. Barlow is improving and the family appreciates our continued prayers.

Pour Out – Pour In

It’s after 9 PM Thursday. I’ve been reading for inspiration and quiet frankly I’m tired, so brevity would not hurt my feelings a bit. At our last meeting here at this screen we were commanded to guard our hearts and we were told un-forgiveness was a quick way to let our guard down. What I am about to write is not my idea. I opened the book and there it was and here it is from Praying God’s Word by Beth Moore; page 200 (in part):

“For just a moment, envision your heart like a pitcher. When we’ve been hurt by another person, that habit we still retain from our old nature is to feed the heart-injury with incessant meditation. The water in the pitcher soon becomes cloudy, even contaminated. Praying about the person we need to forgive is the means by which we tip that pitcher heavenward and slowly begin to pour our negative feelings and frustrations out to God. As we pour out, a wonderful thing happens: we make room for God to pour in. Our omniscient God knows that a heart heals when a heart changes. Until we make room for fresh contents that change our hearts, we will never be healed from the injury and subsequent feelings of unforgiveness.

After we’ve practiced pouring our hearts out to God through praying about the person, it’s time to additionally begin praying for the person. I already know what you may be thinking because I used to feel the same way. “Why should I pray for a person who has hurt me so badly?” God’s ways are not our ways. He created our psyches, and He alone knows how they operate. He created our hearts so uniquely, so in His image, that they are forced to forgive in order to be free. God greatly honors our willingness to bless others when our human reaction would be to curse them. First Peter 3:9 says it all: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called, so that you may inherit a blessing.” Don’t miss the phrase “to this you were called.” I’ve heard many people say, “God could never expect me to forgive or pray for blessing for that person after all she/he had done.” Oh, yes, He could. In fact, to this we were called! The invitation to bless when the rest of the world would curse is one of the very characteristics that sets us apart and causes people to take note of our faith. What have we gained if we do it our way?”

What indeed!

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. I’m hearing You, ABBA, and I am grateful that You love me so much to keep after me. I don’t want You to stop and I know You won’t. I want You to pour in so by Your grace I will pour out. And I pray for other IDOKs or Readers that You are speaking to in this regard will also pour out, so You can pour in. Let it be so, LORD. Let it be so!

And now we come praying for those listed here. Howard is having a rough time and I am praying again for peace and pain relief for him. Thank You so much for the 5 ounces of weight gained by Ryder. I understand that is a lot and it’s a big deal and we thank You. We continue to pray for his family, for their health and strength too. We pray for Vickie and her family as they plan and attend a memorial service for her Dad. You know the needs there; You know the comfort they have already in knowing he is now with You; You know too there are other needs and situations, we can only trust You with it. We bring them all, with no intention of leaving out a soul, we want them all to receive Your richest blessings. We pray too for our IDOK Troops, for their safety and protection; for their families to be at peace and well cared for. And, ABBA, You know my thoughts about the Healthcare Bill pending a vote. You know how I want it to go and I’m asking You to so move so it will go that way; and in it all I trust You. You are in control and You are good. There’s no doubt about that and I am so glad. Thank You. Please give our IDOKs rest and peace, refresh us and prepare us for service in Jesus’ Name. Amen and amen.

As I post this it is 55°F and mostly cloudy in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 6:03 AM AST on March 19, 2010.

Guard Your Heart

2010-03-17T22:12:00.002-05:00

IDOK DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: Update on Suzi: After major back surgery, 3 months ago, she is walking with a walker, attending physical therapy and trying to strengthen the muscles in order to stand up straight. She is realizing life will have to change for her because she does not have the strength or ability to lift. She knows she still faces, at a later time, another surgery fusing her neck area. Please keep praying for her recovery.

Guard Your Heart

As I read Philippians 4:6 and 7 today: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus., I asked how important is it to guard my heart? I found the answer at Proverbs 4:22 (NIV) 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Above all else – pretty important, wouldn’t you say? From there I went to Proverbs 24 and right in the middle of all of it I found this: 17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; 18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, . . . .

Shall we apprehend from this that when someone has done us wrong and that old adage ‘what goes around comes around’ is manifested in their lives, if we rejoice over their calamity we have failed to guard our hearts? Hard to take, isn’t it? That is until we read that failing to guard our heart by indulging in unholy gladness displeases our LORD. Is not this reason enough in ALL circumstances to guard our heart? A rhetorical question: what am I doing to guard my heart today? What are you doing to guard your heart today?

Now let me give you some feel good verses and close for today.

Psalm 3:2-4 (NASB) 2 Many are saying of my soul, "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah. 3 But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. 4 I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y284YvkYrZo&feature=related

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here. I confess, my LORD, I have not done all things well today but You have been faithful and I am grateful. I am grateful that You are a shield about me. I am grateful that You are teaching and training me to guard my heart and I am grateful that I am learning. Thank You. I am grateful for the work You have done in our IDOKs and Readers. I am grateful that You tend us completely, You offer comfort to the grieving and I pray we accept; You offer wisdom and discernment to honest seekers and I pray we receive Your Counsel; You offer healing to broken souls and I pray we say yes; You heal our illnesses and infirmities, thank You. And now we ask You specifically for each soul and each situation listed here for Your Will to be done. We pray for our IDOK Troops to be protected in spirit, soul and body today. We pray for their families back home to be of good courage. I pray for Israel to know Your Peace, for their enemies to be subdued. And, ABBA, I present myself and all who will agree that You take a reading on our hearts, see what’s there, see what pleases You and what does not, please convict and provide us with grace and wills to renounce anything in us that offends Your Holiness and cause us turn from it in Jesus Name and for His sake. Continue to call Christian Churches to become Houses of Prayer. Save America from Her sins. Empower us as Your Witnesses to refuse to be silent – let us speak and serve You with boldness today and forever more. Amen and amen.

As I post this it is 55°F and mostly cloudy in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 6:12 AM AST on March 18, 2010.

Rejoicing with the Choir

2010-03-16T22:08:00.011-05:00

IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: Great news from Ryder. He weighs 1 pound and 7 ounces! Continuing to pray for him to thrive.

Mr. Davis, Vicki Williamson’s father, is experiencing vital organ shut down. The family covets our prayers.

Rejoicing With The Choir

As I was backing out of our drive this morning, I noticed an attractive, modestly dressed, young woman walking toward me, so I stopped, let down the window to hear her invitation and to receive her written inducement. It was to gather with others and commemorate the anniversary of Jesus’ death. This commemoration will be held Tuesday, March 30 at 8:15 PM and I am warmly invited. At this meeting, all will be given Scriptural answers to these questions: How did Jesus, by His death, provide a ransom? Why was this necessary? For whom did Jesus lay down His life? And what can His death mean for you?

I received her pamphlet because it would mean she would have one less to give to someone else and because I was on a tight schedule – too tight to engage her in conversation. Perhaps I won’t be so busy next time. I’ve had some experience with Kingdom Hall Witnesses and have yet to find one that is willing to hear but that does not mean I should not try. Does it? I’m glad I smiled and waved at the others in her party on my street too. Perhaps next time I will do more. I think it would be spiritually criminal for any Christian to be unkind to a Kingdom Hall Witness. But Christians’ conduct toward Kingdom Hall Witnesses is not my major point here. I read the invitation. I heard what she said and there was not one word about Jesus’ resurrection. And I am now about to ‘preach’ to the choir, or maybe we will term it ‘rejoice with the choir’.

I submit to you that without Jesus’ resurrection, His death would be meaningless. His death alone will not ransom anyone. His death alone leaves me in my sins and bound for Satan’s hell.

I Corinthians 15 (NKJV)

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen.

14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise.

16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.

17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

I serve a risen Savior, I know that He is living whatever man may say … He lives. He lives. Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me. He talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives. He lives.

Do some rejoicing today – Jesus lives in His flesh and bone RESURRECTED body and He will return for everyone who has received Him as Savior and Lord in that SAME BODY in which He ascended. ALL who do not believe this and rest themselves in this Truth, are of all men the most pitiable!

If you would like more information as to the doctrine of Kingdom Hall Witnesses relative to Jesus’ Resurrection, please see the web page at this link:

http://www.equip.org/perspectives/the-resurrection-of-jesus-what-do-jehovah-s-witnesses-believe

To review the list of names for prayer, please click here.

Holy God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank You that I KNOW You and I know You arose, LORD JESUS, as much as I know I am sitting here in this chair and that You will return even as You left. That You are the ONLY GODMAN and one day Your FACE I will see. And not me alone but every man, woman, boy and girl that has said yes to Your gift of salvation, having received Your Righteousness in exchange for their sins. Cause me grow to never being quiet about this gift another day that I have left here. And I pray for our IDOKs that not one of us will shut up about it.

I pray now for rest and refreshing of spirit, soul and body for our IDOKs and Readers and every name listed here. You know the concerns and the wants of the Davis-Williamson family and I know that You know best and it is for Your Will that I pray for each of them. Again I pray for the protection and safety of our IDOK Troops. You have been so gracious and so kind to us in this and I thank You for such grace. Thank You, ABBA. And now as I prepare to send this message, I pray it shall go where You want it to go and do what You want it to do in Your Name Jesus and in Your Name alone. Thank You LORD. Thank You. I love You too. Amen and amen.

As I post this it is 61°F and mostly cloudy in Baghdad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 6:08 AM AST on March 17, 2010.

Wandering

2010-03-16T06:47:00.003-05:00

IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: Great news from Jim! It is looking good for him to go home with home health on Wednesday! He and Mary are rejoicing and thanking us for our prayers.

Grand is scheduled for unexpected surgery, will need to have his jaw re-wired, we have been asked to pray for a successful surgery and that he will still be alert and able to visit with his sons when they are there to visit with him.

Wandering

If I have seen it before I have forgotten. So it is new this morning.

Exodus 20:2-4 (NKJV)

2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.

In verse 2 I see the word ‘bondage’. Verse 3 commands us to have no other gods before Him? I am learning more what that means. For me, one thing it means is when I deny the Truth within me to please someone else, I have bowed in worship to a false god and it is as surely bondage to me as was building bricks in Egypt to Israel. ABBA, came down and delivered Israel from Egypt. But obviously they were still in bondage, they still had other gods before them – hence 40 years of wandering!

I’m tired of wandering! I want all my idols gone and all my chains of bondage broken. And I know Who can do it. I know Who is doing it – link by link. All praise and glory to JESUS – the Greatest of ALL Liberators!

Philippians 3:13-15 (NKJV)

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

Amen and amen – LORD anything to the otherwise, moment by moment reveal it to us and by Your Grace we SHALL turn away from it! And all IDOKs and Readers said AMEN? Amen.

Holy Spirit, I ask You to do Your Thing with this. It’s a fast written one but I pray it will linger long and will be an instrument of transformation in each of us. Thank You for Jim’s good news. We entrust his full recovery to You. We entrust Grand’s surgery and his continued recovery to You and his visit with his sons – make it a great time for all of them. We entrust each listed here. We expect great things in each life and each situation because You only do Great, LORD. We entrust our IDOK Troops for peace and safe keeping today. We entrust the Call to Prayer to continue and grow and build strength in Your People. We entrust the government and the people of America to You. We entrust the People of Israel to You. We lay it all before You this morning and we believe You are able. We not only believe You are able, we believe You are willing – LORD JESUS, You have shown this. Thank You. Amen and amen.

As I post this it is 79°F and Blowing Widespread Dust Haze in Al Taji, IQ (Airport) and the time is 2:47 PM AST on March 16, 2010.

A Nutshell

2010-03-15T05:50:00.002-05:00

IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: Paul is going back to work Monday. He is not out of the woods yet but one of his doctors has allowed him to go back. He is so excited. God is so merciful. Please continue to pray that the MRSA won't come back and that he will be able to get his life and his family's life back on track. Thank you all so much for your prayers. I know without it the results would be different. Praises to our Father. Martha.

From Friday: They closed Jim's chest this morning and he is now back in the room. We are so thankful that we've advanced this far and got his chest closed - and we are giving God the glory. Keep praying for us - we will need all your prayers in the next few weeks - we aren't out of the woods yet. I'll keep you posted. Love, Mary

A Nutshell

Let me give you the Bible in a nutshell – IF you are IN Christ, everything will be okay.

The Body of Christ has awaken this morning (perhaps some did not sleep much) to challenges, adversities, fears and troubles. As long as we live here, we are going to have troubles BUT.

John 16:(Amplified Bible)

33I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

Believe this and live; don’t believe it and struggle this life to death. The choice is ours. Troubles so deep, wide and heavy that we can’t get our minds around this Scripture? Then don’t be too proud to ask for help! Pray and seek godly counsel! Jesus did not lie when He spoke these words. We either believe Him or we don’t.

Holy Spirit, minister this Word this morning. You know it is not my heart to be harsh or naïve. I just know there comes a time that for us to do this life right and well we have to get serious with You. We have to believe what You say; we have to take Your Word seriously and do it so we can live. The alternative is a defeated life. I don’t want that for me or any of us. I know life here is hard. You know that. But I also know You are good and life here is meant to be good even when it is hard and You are the ONLY way that is going to happen. It ain’t good here without You. So I am asking You to encourage the discouraged, strengthen the weak, and send help with ‘skin on their face’ to those who really got to see help beside them.

Thank You for the good news from Paul and Jim. We are grateful and we pray for continued improvement for them and for others – for Grand and Carrie and the Boys and others are coming to mind in this moment. Larry’s procedure today – You know that is weighing heavy on some of us. You know we want a good report. And traveling mercies for ones we love so very much. And encouragement, right decisions, repentance, restoration, forgiveness, surrender, a will to believe, hope, trust – all this and more I am praying for families and people in need this morning. Folks are in need here, horrible illnesses – just living through the ‘remedy’ is consuming, it takes over time, resources, it just swallows up living – don’t let it, LORD, give them a better way. And Ryder and his family, we are still remembering them and praying for life – thriving, abundant life for them all. And Katie. Oh, LORD, help. And there are so many more. If we did not KNOW that You are good and that this is not all there is we would all despair. But You are good and in You life is abundant and joy is ours in You. Thank You, ABBA. Thank You. We pray for peace and comfort and safety for our IDOK Troops and their families. We pray for the peace and prosperity and salvation of Israel. We pray for repentance and revival in America and around the world. We ask this and more in Jesus Name. Amen and amen.

Specific Unspokens.	Unspoken Requests - situations so close you can only speak to Father about.	Children and/or Grandchildren about whom Moms (& Dads) are concerned that their salvation profession may not be real.	Risher – USA Women’s and Children 2/20/10 Windy	Robelyn, Wayne, Jason & Robin Req. Janet B 2/23/10	Amy and her girls 2/25/10 Req. Carmen B.
Mrs. Barlow Lynda Powell’s mother 2/16/10	Jim & Mary Henderson 2/15/10 Req. Mabel	ED Givhan Renewed 2/15/10 Req.Martha		Bay, Ryder, Bebe, Joel, Bill & Judy 2/10/10 R-Janet B.	Buddy and Cindy 2/7/10
Jimmy Jimmerson and Randy. 2/10/10 KT	Terry Hinton 1/27/10 Req.LaJuanna	Kayla 3/1/10 Req. Carolyn B	Melinda 1/12/10 Request: Bobbie C	J. Lloyd Brown 2/7/10	Jimmy Cantrell 2/9/10 Req. Martha L
Ron Gaddy2/10/10 Req.Linda Powell	Faircloth Family 12/28/09	Paul Lavellet 1/26/10renewed	Julee & family	Howard Leatherwood 2/3/10 (R-Martha L.)	Carroll Oliver 1/4/10
Debbie, her husband died 1/19/10. Bev req.	Daughters caring for their elderly mothers.	DADDY knows Just Kim –1/5/10 E Just Whitney and him 2/18/10 M	WC & family	Mary M	Art & Sula
Brady & Chloe	Sparky	Rudon	Katie B	Joe-Ann, Chuck, Donald 1, Sheila & Andy, Req BT	Dana, Joey & Family
Alice T	Elaine W & Family	Joni & Todd	MH & J	Joshua A	Tamra & family Suzi Req Leslie
Caleb & family	Rob, Vaughn & family	Darlene & Torkel Brittney, Kersten Family Leona	Katelyn H	Janet & Steve Mollie & Family Mollie B DeLois McC Loyce McC Allyson, Glyn, Family, Andrew & Daughters	L. Thompson Family, D. Thompson Family, Ruth, Cynthia
D. Smith Family, L. Selby Family	Shay – Emma’s Kids Zambia Ministry	Bedenkop Family Bob & Vicki Williamson	IDOK Ministry Families	Our Pastors & Our Christian Congregations	John Schafer 1/19/10 Carmen B’s friend’s Dad.
Alice and Mary’s step-son 3/5/10 Janet B	Vermont Sister 3/5/10 Req. Melba

IDOKs Troops (foreign soil)

Ethan	Christopher	Raul	Robert	Billy	Buddy
Josh W	James	Bryan	Nick	Brant W	Christopher R
Justin G	Michael K.	Bay N.	T. Palin	Bobby G 12/16/08	Tommy T
Nick LeBlanc and his UNIT. 3/5/10 (Julie W)	Sgt. Vince Barrientos5/09	Bill H 9/24/09	Brandon B	Kirk M 12/10/09	Matt P.
Mark	Joshua M	Greg McWain 3/1/10 Leslie W.

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil:

Joey H. added 10/21/09	Tyler Kraver Added 12/23/09;leaving in May, 2010

Serving Stateside:

Jonathan	Jasmine B	Shaun	Bay	Lee	George
Hawk	Justin G	Tommy W	Travis N

Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal

Adam M	Ctp. Tran	Josh	John L.	Drew	Richard M
Kyle N. 3/10

Military with Serious Injuries pray for families too:

Legrand Strickland 2/18/10 Req. Marcia

As I post this it is 91°F and partly cloudy in Balad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 1:50 PM AST on March 15, 2010.

My Obsession

2010-03-11T22:18:00.001-06:00

IDOK DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Updates and Requests: Praise report! My soldier son, Kyle Nicholas, is home from Iraq/Kuwait. Arrived in Newport News VA this morning at 1:30 a.m. His Dad and sister are with him now. Praise the Lord for answered prayers of protection for him during this past year. Rachel.

Kathie, the news is not the best for Jim. He has had a rough time with this surgery. We are very worried about him and the reliability of his doctors. Thank you for praying for them. Love you, Mabel

This update on Grand is lengthy but I am giving it in full to you for your rejoicing pleasure: More good news! Thanks for all the prayers. Keep them coming please, all IDOKs. Carrie says Grand is feeding himself, opening up his drinks, and regaining his strength every day. He is visited daily by the different doctors, speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist - not a moment's rest in the morning. He rolled around and around the hallway again today and didn't want to stop and get out of his chair. His attitude is great, and that makes everyone's job so much easier and enjoyable. His doctors think he will be a great mentor to others, and Carrie agrees because "he is a living example of letting God's light shine in him!" His OT even asked if they could put Grand's name on his church's prayer chain.

Carrie is now transitioning to the Fisher House where she and Grand will live. It will be a big adjustment, but she looks forward to being close to others going through the same experience. Noah and Nathan will be coming on March 19 with Grandma Kathy for a week's visit, and Carrie is so looking forward to seeing her boys after all this time. And, of course, Grand is, too; and, he just might be out of the hospital when they arrive!

Carrie needs prayers for extra strength to continue on because their life is going to drastically change. She wants to be strong when taking care of Grand and have the wisdom to do what is best for him. She needs sleep and rest, much-needed rest. These are our prayer concerns at this time, dear friends.

Psalm 4:8 "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Katie continues to battle. Her Mom said this on Wednesday: Katie will be readmitted for fluids in a.m. and will have an additional surgery on Friday a.m. to have a g-tube inserted. Rebecca Bevis

Kayla is doing much better. She has even asked to watch TV. No fever but still in ICU. If they remove the tubes, she will eat and go to a regular room soon. Carolyn

My Obsession

Today I began to question something. If you know me well you know I’ve got a thing about words. At times to someone who loves me much I can be down right irritating when I analyze his usage of words; especially when I am not a professional myself. Be that as it may, here are my wonderings today: Should we be praying that God will increase our faith or strengthen our faith? I am wondering if we do ourselves damage when we ask God to increase our faith? Hear me out now. When we ask Him to increase our faith, are we not telling ourselves that we are lacking in faith? How negative is that?! Does that not create doubt in us? But if we ask Him to strengthen our faith can we not hear ourselves saying to Him – ‘Yes, LORD, I have faith. I admit it is weak but I know You have placed faith in me. I know I have the seed of faith and when You strengthen the faith I have it will be more than enough to believe You for this that I am asking of You.’ Irritating -- isn’t it? My obsession with semantics. But somehow it helped me today. It connected for me today. So I’ve been praying today for ABBA to strengthen my faith … and He is. So I thought if I passed along to you the ‘fruit’ of my semantics obsession, perhaps it would help you too.

Colossians 2: (NIV)

6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him,

7rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

ABBA, I realize often times I am a bit over the top with this word usage thing but I liked it today. Thank You for humoring me. I pray it will help our IDOKs and Readers. Thank You for strengthening the faith that You placed in me. And I am confident You are going to keep on strengthening me and I am delighted about that. Thank You. Compared to carnal, worldly standards, I’d like to get just down right sickening with how wildly in love with You I am. I’d like love for You and people to just exude from every pore of me. I figure that will take some time and some work but lets do it! I am mindful that such conversation could be construed as silly, too familiar or some other negative connotation but I think I’m finally getting ready to run that risk – it’s easy here on the page of this screen – get me to the place that it is easy out there too in the midst of people that intimidate me. In fact I’m asking You to grow and mature me to the stage that my love and reverence for You far exceeds my desire to please man, woman or child. I am asking to come to the place that I just abandon myself to You; not that I would disregard the feelings of others but that I would be freed up to love and help them without being concerned about me. Empty me of me and fill me up with You. It’s time to move on, isn’t it? Move on to others. Others listed here with some serious needs. Like Jim. I can only imagine what he and Mary are feeling, what’s going on in their souls. And so if it would not interfere with a greater work You are doing, would You please heal Jim? And Katie too. That poor little girl and her family are suffering so much – this has just gone on and on for them. They have got to be numb and exhausted. I pray for relief and encouragement for them. Thank You for Kayla’s progress, please bring her on through this to thriving health again. Thank You for what You are doing with Grand; I am excited to hear what else You do. Thank You. Thank You that Kyle is home. I pray he will adjust well and give You glory. I have enjoyed You here. I pray our IDOKs will too when they get this. Bless them, keep the safe from all harm, strengthen their faith, increase their knowledge of Your Word; help them more and more to know You and believe You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen and amen.

Specific Unspokens.	Unspoken Requests - situations so close you can only speak to Father about.			Children and/or Grandchildren about whom Moms (& Dads) are concerned that their salvation profession may not be real.		Risher – USA Women’s and Children 2/20/10 Windy	Robelyn, Wayne, Jason & Robin Req. Janet B 2/23/10		Amy and her girls 2/25/10 Req. Carmen B.
Mrs. Barlow Lynda Powell’s mother 2/16/10	Jim & Mary Henderson 2/15/10 Req. Mabel			ED Givhan Renewed 2/15/10 Req.Martha			Bay, Ryder, Bebe, Joel, Bill & Judy 2/10/10 R-Janet B.		Buddy and Cindy 2/7/10
Jimmy Jimmerson and Randy. 2/10/10 KT	Terry Hinton 1/27/10 Req.LaJuanna			Kayla 3/1/10 Req. Carolyn B		Melinda 1/12/10 Request: Bobbie C	J. Lloyd Brown 2/7/10		Jimmy Cantrell 2/9/10 Req. Martha L
Ron Gaddy2/10/10 Req.Linda Powell		Faircloth Family 12/28/09	Paul Lavellet 1/26/10renewed		Julee & family			Howard Leatherwood 2/3/10 (R-Martha L.)		Carroll Oliver 1/4/10
Debbie, her husband died 1/19/10. Bev req.		Daughters caring for their elderly mothers.	DADDY knows Just Kim –1/5/10 E Just Whitney and him 2/18/10 M		WC & family			Mary M		Art & Sula

Brady & Chloe		Sparky	Rudon		Katie B			Joe-Ann, Chuck, Donald 1, Sheila & Andy, Req BT		Dana, Joey & Family



Alice T		Elaine W & Family	Joni & Todd		MH & J			Joshua A		Tamra & family Suzi Req Leslie
Caleb & family		Rob, Vaughn & family	Darlene & Torkel Brittney, Kersten Family Leona		Katelyn H			Janet & Steve Mollie & Family Mollie B DeLois McC Loyce McC Allyson, Glyn, Family, Andrew & Daughters		L. Thompson Family, D. Thompson Family, Ruth, Cynthia






D. Smith Family, L. Selby Family		Shay – Emma’s Kids Zambia Ministry	Bedenkop Family Bob & Vicki Williamson		IDOK Ministry Families			Our Pastors & Our Christian Congregations		John Schafer 1/19/10 Carmen B’s friend’s Dad.
Alice and Mary’s step-son 3/5/10 Janet B		Vermont Sister 3/5/10 Req. Melba

IDOKs Troops (foreign soil)

Ethan	Christopher	Raul	Robert	Billy	Buddy	Mark
Josh W	James	Bryan	Nick	Brant W	Christopher R	Joshua M
Justin G	Michael K.	Bay N.	T. Palin	Bobby G 12/16/08	Tommy T
Nick LeBlanc and his UNIT. 3/5/10 (Julie W)	Sgt. Vince Barrientos5/09	Bill H 9/24/09	Brandon B	Kirk M 12/10/09	Matt P.	Greg McWain 3/1/10 Leslie W.

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil:

Joey H. added 10/21/09

Tyler Kraver

Added 12/23/09;leaving in May, 2010

Serving Stateside:

Jonathan	Jasmine B	Shaun	Bay	Lee	George	Travis N
Hawk	Justin G	Tommy W

Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal

Adam M

Ctp. Tran

Josh

John L.

Drew

Richard M

Kyle N.

3/10

Military with Serious Injuries pray for families too:

Legrand Strickland 2/18/10 Req. Marcia

As I post this it is 61°F and haze in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 7:18 AM AST on March 12, 2010.