Monthly Archives: January 2008

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What Am I Thinking?

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IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008

A quote for D. De Haan:
Though fierce the hatred of our foe
Whose legions seek to work us woe,
He can’t destroy the Living Word
Nor those who own Him as their Lord.

None of us know exactly what we will encounter today. Some of us may have uncomfortable matters to attend. It is likely all of us will have some un-pleasantries confront us; if not today, then tomorrow. What will we do? How we THINK about it NOW will determine what we do THEN.
Some thought processes we perform will help us, some would harm us. We may not have control over the un-pleasantries or the uncomfortable moments, but we DO have control of our own minds. We can choose what we THINK. Praise the Lord! We don’t have to be a victim of ‘thought abuse’. We don’t have to allow ourselves to be abused by our own fears or Satan and his cohorts with their fiery darts. There is a rebuttal in Scripture to all our fears and any lie or half-truth whispered (or screamed) in our ears by the Devil. There is a condition though, we have to be WILLING to apply the Scripture. It’s like any other prescription, we have to be willing to open the bottle, take out the pill and swallow it — We have to be willing to open the Word of God, read that verse that addresses the situation and ‘swallow’ it – that is ingest it. We have to be willing to trust our situations to Father’s Word. A prescription from the pharmacy may not always work BUT a Word from our Father in due season works every time!
So what are some of His Words to help us?
Philippians 4:
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Hebrews 13:
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
6 So we may boldly say:
“ The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?”
Romans 8:
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
So what is the Word of God good for? For pulling down strongholds. For casting down – shutting up arguments. For silencing EVERY thought that is against what God has already said to you. For giving you the power to CONTROL your thoughts – the power to make your thoughts OBEY Christ Jesus. And look at this! The Word of God is ready to PUNISH all disobedience WHEN we are obedient to Him in What We Are Thinking!
Father, I am thinking this is a very good word today. Thank You. And thank You that we CAN apply it, Your Word guarantees we can apply it – Your Grace is sufficient for us to apply Your Word to all our uncomfortable, unpleasant, hard, trying, hurtful, mean, unfair – whatever situations today. Thank You that You have not left us alone in any of these things. Lord God, You ARE AWESOME. And we love You. Thank You for being You.
And because of the Who You Are we bring these folks today. Just as people of Scripture brought others to You Jesus, we bring these and by our very brining them we are exercising faith in You that You will hear and You will take care of all these and all that is troubling them. You will even help them submit their troubles to You. Thank You Lord. Thank You.
And we ask You again today to protect our IDOK Troops. To keep them safe in mind and body and spirit and to lift up and protect their families back home. We pray for a successful conclusion to this war. We pray for America to repent. We pray for Israel to be at Peace. We pray for the Presidential Election that Your Choice will be elected. And we pray for Your Church, that She will PRAY for Her own Revival. And we ask all this Father based solely upon the Righteousness of Jesus our Christ. 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. Justin G. (Hawk and Lyndon A – home for R&R)
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Albert R III.
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 58°F and mostly cloudy in Al Asad, Iraq & the time there is 4:46 PM AST – on January 28, 2008

HIS MINISTRY TO YOU

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Just Begin!

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IDOK DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2007

If you have not gone on line to see and hear Rick Burgess Memorial Message – you need to do that. It’s available at www.rickandbubba.com in three parts, each about 8 to 9 minutes.
This is another one of those mornings when I don’t know where to begin. You’re had those days too, haven’t you? What I can tell you from experience is Just Begin. Just pick up the first thing at hand and begin. I think that will work in just about any situation. If the house is a wreck and you are too, just pick up the first thing at hand and begin.
For me with this IDOK, it was a devotional book written by Beth Moore which directed me to Scripture. So we will start there — Scripture. I don’t think I am going to have a lot of commentary on these passages. I hope you like me will just read them and allow the Holy Spirit to warm you with His Presence in them.
2 Thessalonians 3:
3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.
5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
As you begin today or as you begin again today what you need to know is Your Lord is Faithful.
And as you begin again to think of that family member or friend about whom you are worried, you need to hear: we have confidence in the Lord concerning you. Read that again, we have confidence IN THE LORD. Whatever the situation, HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD and Just Begin.

My First-Born’s surgery went well. She’s home resting. Thank you for your prayers! To God be the glory!
Father, thank You for textbook perfect surgeries. Thank You for steady recoveries. And Father as friends have tests today, we pray for good reports, good results and for peace and as much comfort as possible. We continue to remember folks who are grieving, some grief we have not experienced, some we have, some we understand, some we don’t but You Lord know it all and we have confidence in You that You are there comforting and guiding in all these. Thank You Father. And we pray for our IDOK Troops, for their protection today in mind and body and spirit. We pray for the safe return of each. We pray those on R & R that You will build and grow their faith and peace while here for their return there. We pray that all our IDOK Troops will at the appointed time come home safe and sound and we pray for a successful conclusion to this war. We pray for the Peace of Israel, for the Repentance of America – one soul at a time – use us Lord in that – help us Your Church and particularly IDOKs to minister Your Gospel in such a way that unsaved people in our paths will hear and repent. We pray Your Choice for President will be elected this year. And Father above all revive Your Church 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. Justin G.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Albert R III.
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 55°F and clear in Al Asad, Iraq & the time there is 4:42 PM AST – on January 25, 2008

HIS MINISTRY TO YOU
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Here’s to Wearing Away!

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IDOK DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2008

Jane Howard said: More and more I realize that everybody, regardless of age, needs to be hugged and comforted in a brotherly or sisterly way now and then. Preferably now.

It’s late for early morning — I covet your prayers, my first born is having outpatient surgery this morning and momma is anxious. SO I have a good re-run for you this morning. I wrote this on October 24, 2003 – it’s still true this morning.
OH!! Do I have a Word this morning!! Remember yesterday we said we could pray that The Lord would wear down the resistance of our loved ones so they would believe and come to know and love Him? This morning very shortly after I woke up I began to think about the Scripture of Jesus washing the disciples feet (and that being because I needed my feet washed — that’s another story — maybe I will share one of these days) and I wish we had time this morning to look at the Passover Supper, the washing of the feet of the disciples but it is nearly 6:00 a.m. And there is not time to do it this morning. But know this: My Jesus — Your Jesus is the Passover Lamb and He was fully aware of that; says so in John 13:1. And when He took off His garments and took up the towel He was preaching without words. And He said so much!! I suspect He said much more than we have learned yet!!
But I have learned this; we regularly need our feet washed. Now, fact is we have been bathed and we are clean all over but walking here in the “dirt” of the earth we get a bit of that on us and we must humble ourselves and go to Jesus to get the dirt off that is clinging to our feet and He graciously does that… Been there, done that – recently.
But on to verse 19. Now, I am lifting a part of that verse out of context to some extent but I think is valid and solid; I think it is Scriptural Support for our praying that The Lord “wear down” the resistance to Him of our loved ones.
John 13: 19 I tell you this now before it occurs, so that when it does take place YOU MAY BE PERSUADED AND BELIEVE THAT I AM HE [Who I say I am-the Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah].
We can pray that The Holy Spirit will tell them, will lead them, will move upon them, will put them in situations, will bring events, whatever it takes to PERSUADE them to believe, PERSUADE them to KNOW that Jesus IS HE; that He is THE CHRIST, THE ANOINTED ONE, THE MESSIAH. Works for me!! If persuading is anything it is “wearing away” resistance. Wouldn’t you agree? So you can be sure that I am praying based upon this very Word which Father began birthing in me when I read in my sister, Beth Moore’s, book, Feathers From My Nest, that we could pray for the “wearing down of their resistance”. Don’t you love it when Father confirms!!
Father God you are so Awesome, You are gracious and kind; You are so good to us. Thank you! Thank you. Thank you that you are wearing down the resistance of our loved ones and thank you that you are working in our lives. Thank you that You are continually washing our feet and keeping us clean. We admit we so need it; I do Lord. You know what a mess I am but thank you that You look at me and love me and You see what You are making of me and even now I am beautiful to You. But not just me Lord but all my sisters and brothers; we are lovely to You and now I pray that we will behold You and we will see more and more HOW LOVELY YOU ARE!! Lord, You are lovely and You are kind and good and gracious; You are so good to us. Persuade us today to do your will; persuade us today to open our hearts to people and to share with them; persuade us to be Reflectors and Dispensers today… Reflectors of You and Dispenses of your Love and just maybe you can use us in your project of wearing down the resistance of our loved ones. Thank you. Amen and amen.
And Father this morning more than four years later I say amen again. And this morning we pray for these that You wear down resistance to strongholds of unbelief in the lives of those who do not even know they are struggling with You. And then we pray that You build up those struggling against disease and illnesses; we pray for strength against those bad cells that have invaded the bodies of those we love; we pray for immune systems to strengthen and for cell functions to be restored. We pray for insulin production to be balanced. We pray for other body and mind chemicals to balance; for people to be made whole in mind, body and spirit. We pray for souls who are grieving that You will comfort and give renewed purpose and vision to them. And Father, I pray in particular for my own little girl that today’s surgery will be text book perfect and she will recover quickly and be on her way again even better than before to love You, serve You and to bless her family, friends and co-workers. We pray for our IDOK Troops today that You will protect them; that they will be safe from all harm of mind, body and spirit; that You will see to it that they all come home at the appointed time; give comfort and support to their families. And we pray for the successful conclusion to this war. We pray for the peace of Israel; for the repentance of America; for the election of Your Choice for President; for the revival of Your Church – all in the name of Jesus. 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 54°F and partly cloudy in Al Asad, Iraq & the time there is 4:07 PM AST – on January 24, 2008

HIS MINISTRY TO YOU