IDOK DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2008
I am told Jeremy Taylor wrote: Enjoy the blessings of this day, if God sends them; and the evils of it bear patiently and sweetly: for this day is only ours, we are dead to yesterday, and we are not yet born to the morrow.
Let me give you my paraphrase (forgive me, Jeremy): Today is all you got, honey; yesterday’s screw ups are buried and covered by The Blood of the Lamb; tomorrow’s victories are yet to be; so whether today is sunshine or rain — you might as well be sweet about it; cause today is the only time you have to make Jesus smile!!
My Internet sources tell me that Jeremy Taylor was born in 1613, died in 1667; he was a clergyman in the Church of England who achieved fame as an author during the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell. Also, that one of the things he authored was Holy Living, Holy Dying. When time allows, I think I shall read it.
But for this morning something even more wonderful — Romans 15!! No, not the whole chapter!! Let me pick out a verse or two.
Start verse 1: We who are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith]
I like that!!
Ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak;
Better do it today, today is all we have
[we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others]
Is that awesome or what?! – help carry the doubts, the “not sures” and the “oh, this scares me” of our sisters and brothers
Of course, we would rather take this day and run with it — for ourselves — But that will not build a foundation for a victorious tomorrow… Will it?
Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually].
Don’t look at me — I didn’t say it… it’s written in ‘RED’
For Christ did not please Himself [gave no thought to His own interests]; but, as it is written, The reproaches and abuses of those who reproached and abused you fell on Me.
And aren’t we GLAD!!! Enjoy this day; for we will not pass this way again… Can’t remember who said that!!
Father God, how delightful You are!! Thank You for letting me sit here with You and my sisters and brothers this morning. You are so Awesome!! I really like Romans 15; even though some of the stuff in there seems hard to … No not hard, impossible! We cannot do it without You but then we don’t have to; thank You. Thank You that in You we can do all that You say for us to do and thank You, thank You for the PRIVILEGE of OBEDIENCE. Yes, Father it is a PRIVILEGE to OBEY YOU. Not all have taken advantage of that but I pray that I will be even more obedient and that will help influence others to CHOOSE to step into this PRIVILEGE of OBEYING YOU. This is so cool.. Thank You; thank You… Yes, it is a PRIVILEGE TO OBEY YOU. Please don’t let me forget that when my flesh is jumping up and down for its own way. Oh, Daddy God — YOU ARE SO AWESOME! I don’t know how You did all this… How You worked such a miracle in this heart and mind but I AM SO GLAD YOU DID and I pray it stops not and Lord, please, please wear down the resistance of my loved ones and my family so they too will KNOW that it is a PRIVILEGE TO OBEY YOU for Jesus sake. I love you. Amen and amen.
Adding Donnie S. Today – Pastor in Georgia with serious congregational issue.
Father, thank You for this reminder from four years ago. Thank You for a glance back that helps us focus forward. I am reminded that in Mandisa’s book she said Obedience is what You have called us to and it is true and even more than that Lord it is a PRIVILEGE to Obey You. Thank You, thank You for making it possible for us to obey You. You are so AWESOME! Today we add Donnie to our list; the information given me tells me he is in a hard place and only You have the wisdom to direct him and I pray You will and that he will follow You; and I pray each soul involved in this situation will repent and You will be glorified. Today is Jon David’s surgery; direct the surgeons we pray, give a text book perfect results and bless his parents and grandparents with peace and assurance that You do all things well. We continue to pray for Jeremy’s recovery and another remission for Callie, healing and restoration for Joseph, peace and healing for those grieving, financial healing for hurting families and every other need of these and for Our IDOK Troops for their safety and protection today; guard their minds, bodies and hearts we pray. Please bring this war to a successful conclusion. We pray for the Peace of Israel the Repentance of America; the election of Your Choice for President; the revival of Your Church and that each and every IDOK will obey You today for Jesus sake. Donnie S. Jon David. Smith and family. Barber Grandsons. Renee’. Cathy’s friend and son. Jeremy H. Pastor’s Widow and four children. Martin Family. Odessa H. Margie & Duncan. A Caregiver for Baby Emily while her Mom works. Kearley Family. Kathy S. Glen Beck. Bev and family. Tonya and family. Rick Burgess and family. Lawson Family. Mrs. Dobbs. Dall T. Dylan. Marsha’s grand-baby. Kathy N. Kyle A. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Terri. Patsy B. Kim T. Kevin and the children. Lisa’s Mother. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. Lisa W. 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. 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. Andrew. Cindy, Sharron and Tonya’s houses to sell.
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. Bay N.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Tim. Lee. George.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Injured Stateside:
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light. Bradley T.
Military at home adjusting – Mack. The 226. Troy. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Edward J.
Civilian in Country – Mike. Lee.
As I post this it is 75°F and partly cloudy in Al Asad, IQ & the time there is 4:12 PM AST – on March 6, 2008
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