IDOK DEVOTION FOR Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Let me share a phrase (from Wonderful Names of Our Wonderful Lord, compiled by Charles E. Hurlburt and T.C. Horton) that I read today – it seemed to be ‘highlighted’ by The Holy Spirit. The piece was written about Jesus, saying He is our Strong Rock, our Refuge, our Safe Retreat. And He is. We have experienced Him. And then this phrase, listen: “A strong, safe house, in which I am defended from myself, the world, and the devil.” He is the place, the Whom in which I am DEFENDED; but look at the number 1 person from whom He defends me — ME. I am pondering this one. I know it is true, I am my own worst enemy and I am pretty sure you are your own worst enemy too. BUT we have a CHAMPION. We have a DEFENDER and His Name is JESUS. So when Myself attacks ME, He defends Me. Is that incredible?!
So how does Myself attack Me. There may be a number of fronts of attack but they all begin in one place – the MIND. Myself begins her attack on Me in my thoughts. And what’s worse when those thoughts find voice – MY voice, others can be hurt too. And often the others hurting are those closest to Me – that spouse who grieves when Me talks so badly about his wife that he loves so much; or children who love their mother and they hear ME belittle her. Wonder what that generates in their thoughts? Does it begin to erode respect? Does it cause pity to grow? What?
So how does my Champion defend Me? The same way He resisted Satan.
Matthew 4:
3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
So when the tempter speaks to us, be that tempter – Myself, the world or the devil – The Word of God is our defense.
John 1: 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
There is a passage of Scripture that addresses every battle and it is our job to look and find them, with the Holy Spirit guiding us, of course. In the meantime, while we learn, here is a nugget that will ‘defend’ and give victory in all situations: when Myself attacks Me or if Me is tempted to attack some one else.
Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
The Word commands us to be kind to one another, don’t you think that includes ME (you)? Why do we say things about ourselves within the confines of our own thoughts that we would not say to someone else? How often do you look at your best friend and tell her she is fat, ugly and stupid? But Myself tells Me that, doesn’t she? Is it because we have believed the lie of the Evil One, that’s somehow humble means to belittle ourselves?
Lets give Jesus a wonderful gift this year; one He really wants – accept Him as our Defender of Myself and fight back with HIS WORD.
Now I am accountable to you for practicing this message and my beloved will be my witness – hmmm. How do I get myself into these ‘messes’ – opening my big mouth!!
Father, thank You for lessons we must have even when they are hard to admit and hard to heed – help us all practice today for Jesus sake. Thank You for the good work You are doing in each of these today.The Peace of Israel. Mr. Smith. Charles and Renee’. Dall T. Dylan. Mark, Margie & Duncan. Marsha’s grand-baby. A care-giver for Emily Grace. Kathy N. 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.
We pray for Grandchildren and Christmas Programs this morning that they will do their best and You will be glorified. We ask You for protection for our IDOK Troops today, to keep them from all harm in mind, body and spirit and we ask that they be comforted with Your Peace this Season and bring them home to us safe and sound at the appointed time and bring a successful conclusion to this war and Peace to Israel, and Repentance to America and the Election of Your Choice for President and Revive Your Church Oh Lord, especially help us repent and be filled with You Holy Spirit as our gift to You Lord Jesus. Amen and Amen.
As I post this it is 59°F and partly sunny in Baghdad, Iraq & the time there is 3:55 PM AST – on December 19, 2007
HIS MINISTRY TO YOU
The White Stone 