IDOK DEVOTION FOR Tuesday, December 11, 2007
I opened one of my many books this morning for inspiration and found a piece entitled ‘An Unforgettable Gift’ from the book Inspiring Words from the Psalms by Spirit Press. Listen as I read.
Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Psalm 41:1 NKJV
The cold wind whistled through the cracks in the small, wood-frame house in eastern Kentucky and snapped at Sam’s legs. The boy wanted to surprise his mother and sisters this Christmas morning with hot tea and toast with jam. Rations and money were short since his papa had died six months before. And the coal was almost gone. “God, what are we going to do?” Sam pleaded as he filled the kettle.
Suddenly a clatter in the backyard caught his attention. Two men were dumping coal into the coal bin. Sam ran out to stop them. He was certain they had the wrong house.
“No mistake,” said the driver when Sam protested. “I got the address right here on this paper. It’s a gift, son, though I swore I wouldn’t tell who it’s from. Be thankful and don’t ask no more questions,” the man said.
When you think you’re out of options, listen and watch. God may have an unexpected gift for you, too. His kindness cannot be matched.
I think we are on to something this morning. I listened as Jerry read Open Windows this morning and heard it’s about giving anonymously. As in Matthew 6 when Jesus said:
2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
This is the season all about giving and receiving. What are we giving and what are we receiving?
Often I have purchased a gift for the gift’s sake. You know what I mean — those gifts we feel obligated to give; it’s not that they need it and maybe not even want it but we are duty and honor bound to give them something! And I am not saying stop the practice. I’m just suggesting we consider more carefully what we give this year. And while we are considering ‘what’ to give, maybe we could consider the ‘whos’ to whom we give. Is there anyone in your life who needs an anonymous ‘load of coal’?
As we pray this morning, please continue to pray for Dylan; doctors are still trying to find an antibiotic that will work to combat his ear infection. Dylan is only 9 months. His Mom and Dad and G-Mom and Papa T are weary.
Father, I like the way You confirm – two sources saying the same thing. Thank You. Lord, let me know to whom You want me to give an anonymous ‘load of coal’ this year. Lord, make us giving people and receiving people. Teach us to give and teach us to receive too. Help us receive graciously and give lavishly as You lead us Holy Spirit.
And this morning we are asking You to lavishly give to Dylan, to lavishly give this little one restored health; to eradicate the infection from his body and restore him fully to his Mom and Dad and Grandparents. And we pray for Kathy N.and family as they wake up this morning to begin a new life without Jackie; keep her safe as she travels ‘home’ and help her find ‘home’ again with You Lord – bring to her broken heart a reason and a purpose to live on. We thank You for Justin’s great report and we pray for his continued health and well being. And for Mark – we ask for a miracle for him, only a miracle Lord will keep him here with his wife and son and so many who love him. We pray for Jason that he will continue to improve, that the pain will be less and less and his tissue will grow again and his face will shine with Your Radiance. And all these here Lord, each and everyone of them have personal and dear to the heart stuff for which they too need miracles of varied kinds and so we pray for them that You will meet them where they are and give them what they need and Holy Spirit, help them receive the answer to their prayer with grace and peace.
And we pray for the peace of Israel and the repentance of America and the election of Your Choice for President and for a successful conclusion to this war and for protection of our IDOK Troops today – mind, body and spirit. Especially, help them with emotions this season as they are away from home. Comfort with Your Peace Lord and their families too. Revive Your Church Lord – make us lavish givers and gracious receivers. Amen and amen.
The Peace of Israel Justin B. Mark, Margie & Duncan. Kathy N. Dylan. Kyle A. Jason, Vicki, Sharron and other family members. Joseph Toomey and Family. Wheeler Family. Mary Ann. Mr. Nash. DeLois. Terri. Leah O. Patsy B. Kim T. Krystee. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’s Mother. Janie B. W.C. & Family . Vickie. Lisa W. John Thomas. Cole. Taylor & family. Anita. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Katelyn. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Martha F and Bob. Rev and Mrs. Carpenter. Allyson and Glen and family and Kaitlyn. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Frankie and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa and Brad and family. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Jessie L. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Jenny. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam & Family.
Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. George. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A. Christopher R. Travis N. Joshua M.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Justin G. Albert R III.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Tim. Lee.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Injured Stateside: Edward J.
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light
Military at home adjusting – Mack. The 226. Troy. Drew. Brad. Tommy. Desi.
Civilian in Country – Mike. Lee.
As I post this it is 70°F and partly sunny in Baghdad, Iraq & the time there is 5:03 PM AST – on December 11, 2007
HIS MINISTRY TO YOU
