IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2008
I am hard on me, usually harder on me than others — most likely there is some subtle pride in that. I often scold me for my immaturity in the faith. I am wrong to do that. And if you are doing it, you are wrong too. I should celebrate more the progress that Father is making in me; so should you — He does! Listen to what Beth (Moore) has written in her Study entitled Stepping Up. She uses her beloved grandson, Jackson, as an example.
“I don’t sit over Jackson impatiently and wish he were suddenly grown. I celebrate every step he takes. Why do we think our Heavenly Father, who designed our bodies, souls, and spirits to operate just as they do, would be any different? No, God doesn’t enjoy a child’s stubborn unwillingness to grow up any more than I’d enjoy Jackson still crawling at six years of age. But I am convinced God thoroughly relishes every hint of maturity even if we feel as if we’re not making progress.”
She goes on to say: “As you study Scripture, God is accomplishing something in you. As long as you keep your heart exposed to it and don’t compartmentalize everything you’re learning in your head alone, you can’t help but make some level of progress as you give this kind of time to study. Just think what can happen when we become intentional about it!”
Did you hear what she said? God IS accomplishing something in you! God IS accomplishing something in me! Not maybe, or hope so, or will some day but IS. Today He IS accomplishing something in us.
I Chronicles 19: 13 Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”
Isaiah 55: 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
As long as we continue to expose our eyes, our ears, our minds and our hearts to Scripture – a difference is being made in us! We have Father’s Word on it. That is GOOD NEWS, even though we have heard it before.
Father, when I open Your Word for more than just a quick read or a quick Word to write to our IDOKs, something warm and wonderful happens inside — why don’t I do it more? Please help me stop giving in to do other things that are not nearly as important or rewarding or pleasant and good. Help us taste Your Word and see that it is good, very good.
And now we are continuing in our prayers for these listed here. We pray for peace and comfort for those grieving and those undergoing serious medical treatments and not only for peace and comfort but healing of hearts and bodies.
We pray for our IDOK Troops for safety and protection in mind, body and spirit; for the Peace of Israel, for the Repentance of America, for the election of Your choice for president, for the revival of Your Church, for a Hunger for Your Word that compels us to eat of it daily and not sparingly but enough to get holy fat on it. Thank You Father for Jesus sake. Amen and amen.
Tonya and family. Rick Burgess and family. Lawson Family. Mrs. Dobbs. Charles and Renee’. Dall T. Dylan. Mark, Margie & Duncan. Marsha’s grand-baby. Kathy N. Kyle A. Jason, Vicki. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Terri. Patsy B. Kim T. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’s Mother. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. Lisa W. Anita. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Taylor & family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glen and family. 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. Brad, Lindsay, Karah and Haley. 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. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam & Family. Tiffany & Makayla. Andrew.
Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
The Peace of Israel
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A. Christopher R. Travis N. Joshua M. Brent. Drew.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Albert R III. Justin G.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Tim. Lee. George.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Injured Stateside: Edward J.
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light
Military at home adjusting – Mack. The 226. Troy. Brad. Tommy. Desi.
Civilian in Country – Mike. Lee.
As I post this it is 41°F light showers, rain mist in Balad, Iraq & the time there is 7:16 AM AST – on January 23, 2008
HIS MINISTRY TO YOU
