Monthly Archives: December 2007

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Trunks and Hearts

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IDOK DEVOTION FOR Wednesday, December 12, 2007


I suppose I could be accused of ‘jumping the gun’ but nevertheless these are my thoughts today. My Journey Magazine (LifeWay Resource) for today is entitled ‘The Trunk’ and the jest of it is a woman went Christmas shopping with a list and a certain number of $$ to spend. As she was leaving the store, she contemplated the countenance of her husband when he discovered she spent more than they had agreed so she decided she would load the trunk with those gifts above and beyond the $$ and the list and she would not tell him about them until later when the credit card bills had been paid. This dishonesty was not fitting well and later when she sat down to pray, Journey, said: … I was churning on the inside. What other issues did the Lord want me to face? I asked Him to help me unpack not only the trunk of my car,but also those areas in my life where I had been stashing things because I didn’t want to deal with them. I asked Him to give me a pure heart and the grace and the strength to live with honesty and integrity before Him.
So as we approach the end of the year maybe we should consider cleaning out our trunks. And on the heels of that thought came ‘right here at Christmas, I have enough to think about already!’ And my next thought was — ‘what better Christmas gift can we give to Jesus than a clean trunk (heart)’?
Psalm 15:
1 LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
2 He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart;
Psalm 51:
6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Prayer Time:
Jennifer D has to go back to work and infant Emily Grace needs someone to care for her while Momma is at work – someone to pray over her and sing songs about Jesus to her while she plays and sleeps. Pray that Father will lead a godly woman to Jennifer here in the Chickasaw, Saraland area to take care of Emily Grace while Jennifer works. Jennifer is hoping to avoid a Day Care if at all possible.
The antibiotics for Dylan are still not working – He is so very ill. Please continue to pray.
Father, Your Word says suffer the little children to come unto You and forbid them not – we are bringing Dylan to You this morning and we are asking that You lay You Hands upon him and rebuke the infection and restore this little boy to health again. Lord, he is so sick, please heal him, please today cause him to make marked improvement, even to the surprise of the doctors. Lord, turn the corner toward healing for Dylan today please.
And for Emily Grace, bring to light someone to care for Emily Grace, someone to stand in the gap while Jennifer is at the office.
And for Marsha’s grand-baby yet in the womb, Lord please heal this baby too. Please bring her heart and body functions to proper operation. And Father in all these cases bring peace of mind and heart to each mom and dad and grandma and grandpa.
And our IDOK Troops protect them today; keep them safe in mind and body and spirit. Holy Spirit console them and encourage them to believe You are there and You love them and that we do too and we are grateful for their service to this Nation. And Lord, bring each of them home safe and sound at the appointed time. And we pray for a successful conclusion to this war and we pray for Your Choice to be elected to the Office of President for this Nation. We pray for the Peace of Israel and the Repentance of America and the Revival of Your Church.
And we pray for these, we are not privy to all their troubles and needs, hurts and wants; but You are Father and we pray that each heart will be enabled to receive from You all that You desire to do for each of them. And we pray for ourselves, for each and every IDOK – Lord, for Yourself, for Your Glory, help us to begin Today to clean out our trunks. Amen and amen.
The Peace of Israel Dylan. Marsha’s grand-baby. A care-giver for Emily Grace. Mark, Margie & Duncan. 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.
As I post this it is 68°F and partly cloudy in Al Asad, Iraq & the time there is 4:37 PM AST – on December 12, 2007
HIS MINISTRY TO YOU
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The Giving and Receiving Season

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IDOK DEVOTION FOR Tuesday, December 11, 2007

God’s wisdom is always available to help us choose from alternatives we face, and help us to follow His eternal plan for us. Gloria Gaither
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

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Mr. Grady

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IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2007
So you ate what you shouldn’t have yesterday and your attitude was less than it could have been — today’s a new day and you can begin again!

This weekend’s hours were ‘back to back’ again and this morning is the same. Please allow me to share a re-run with you this morning from December 10, 2003.

Have you ever awaken in the morning and someone from your ancient history was on your mind… Like your history teacher when you were a freshman in high school; like the one you had this huge crush on; like the one in whose class you sat on the front row right at his desk and you consumed every word he said and you passed every test without really trying? Happened to me this morning. So I prayed for him and then from there another who is much more recent in my life with a similar name and now I sit here telling you about it and I’m not even sure why. But as I write these words it occurs to me that “love” is very motivating. “Love” motivated me to do very well in that history class. “Love” motivated me to think of “Mr. Grady” constantly even when I was not in his class; “love” motivated me to give him a Christmas gift and “love” motivated me to be faithful to class and on and on. Now, Mr. Grady was fond of me as he was the rest of his students but he did not go out of his way to be benevolent to me. But thinking of him this morning has prompted me to think of ONE who did go “out of His way” for me. All the way from the Glory of Heaven to the humble stable and then to a cruel cross and even if I were the only one He would still have “gone out of His way” to lavish His Love for me on me. In 15 days it will be CHRISTMAS DAY and we will gather with our loved ones to celebrate the Gift from Heaven. God was so motivated by His Love for us that He stepped out of Heaven and was delivered on this earth and even the calendar of man testifies that He came. But I wonder what would the testimony be if we were so motivated by Love that we sat on the front row, we listened to His every word, consuming every one of them and even when we are not “in class” He is constantly on our minds. I wonder? Wonder what we can give Jesus this Christmas for His birthday… Maybe our un-divided attention. Humm
Father, Your Word says Mary pondered …. I think we have some pondering to do for Jesus sake.
But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. Romans 5:8.
Prayer Requests:
Kathy N.and Family need our prayers today – Kathy’s husband, Jackie, suddenly physically died on Thursday morning – memorial service is today at noon.
And Mark F, his wife Margie and their son, Duncan. Mark has been battling brain cancer since 1999, and now there is a new area and he needs a bone marrow transplant and he and the family need our prayers.
Dylan is better but please continue to pray.
Jason is much improved too but please continue to pray.
Father, our minds are filled with many today. Particularly Kathy as she lays to rest the body of Jackie, the husband she loves more than life itself, and we pray for her that she will be comforted today and that quickly You will turn her heart to a purpose to live. Comfort and help the children and grandchildren today too. Thank You for Jason’s improvement and please continue and please lessen his pain and in the midst of this pain bring deeper peace and trust to both he and Vickie; comfort and give strength to Sharron and all the family. Thank You that Dylan is improving, please continue and make him completely well we pray. And Lord, we pray for Mark; there is no doubt You can remove the cancer in all the places and You can give Mark life fresh and re-newed; will You do that please? And help Margie as she waits by his side and bless Duncan – bring alongside family and friends to give him as much normalcy as possible during this time. Father, bless these families as only You can. And Thank You for these others that we bring to You. Many needs, heart aches and decisions to be made. Moms and Dads to be cared for, jobs needed, comfort, Christmas celebration plans, so much more Lord and we bring it all to You and we trust You with all our concerns. And we ask for the Peace of Israel, for the destruction of evil, for Repentance for America, for our IDOK Troops to be protected today in mind and body and spirit and that You bring each and everyone of the home safe and sound at the appointed time, that Your Choice for President be elected next year and this be the best Christmas yet for each and every IDOK, that we each worship You with more love and trust that we have before and this we ask in Jesus Sweet Name. The Peace of Israel 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 and her mother. 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 66°F and partly sunny in Baghdad, Iraq & the time there is 4:40 PM AST – on December 10, 2007

HIS MINISTRY TO YOU