Monthly Archives: March 2008

Uncategorized

God Waiting?

Leave a comment

IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008

Last night the Pastor introduced us to the thought that maybe God was waiting on us. We talk a lot about waiting on God because we seem to think we do it a lot and maybe we do. I found many Scripture references this morning instructing us to Wait on God.
However, in my quick perusal this morning I only found 2 references to God waiting. One in Isaiah 30:18 and another in I Peter 3:20 and I checked a number of translations and it was the same in each that I checked.
I Peter 3: 20
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
You are familiar with this event; the people of the world had become so full of sin that their hearts were continually seeking to do evil and yet GOD WAITED. He waited YEARS; but the time of judgment did come. I think He still does today – He waits for people to repent and I believe He often waits LONG. He did on me. But be sure the time will come when His Waiting will cease. And then for His Children it is a ‘wood shed’ experience (been there, done that, don’t want to go there again); for unsaved people – judgment!
Isaiah 30:18 reads this way: And therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him.
Why is He waiting here? In order to be GRACIOUS to us. Maybe this still has to do with judgment. The text says He is a God of judgment. We don’t hear much preached any more about Him being a God of Judgment, do we? A God of Love, yes; but, judgment? No we don’t want to hear about that. Yet for sure He is – It says so right here. It also says in His Judgment He is GRACIOUS — He WAITS. He waits because He is full of mercy.
The text also says therefore will He be exalted. But look how He is exalted. He is exalted when He is gracious to you and me.
Oh, I think there is a whole lot more here than we have time or space to examine today. Go deep on your own. See what Father says to you in these passages — and I’d love for you to share with me those insights – if you wouldn’t mind.
So is God Waiting on you today? Is there some sin He is waiting for you (or me) to stop practicing? Is there some attitude He is waiting for us to give up to Him for change? Lets don’t wait too long — ‘wood shed’ or ‘preach tree switch’, both hurt!
Father, we come to be examined this morning for any wicked way in us that You are waiting for us to give up. Thank You for Your Patience; thank You for waiting on us. And we pray this morning for the eyes to see and the will to repent; both we Your Church and the people of this Nation, America. We pray for our IDOK Troops today, please keep them safe; protect them in mind, body and spirit and bring them home safe and sound to family and friends. We pray for provisions of every kind for each family. And for Israel we pray for Her Peace. We continue to remember that we desire for Your Choice for President to be elected.
And we pray for Mrs. Murle today on her 89th birthday; Lord Jesus make it a special day for her, send encouragement to her – cards, visits, gifts whatever You choose so she will know she is loved.
And we pray for these listed here. You know each one, You love each one, of that we are certain. We are certain too that You have a plan for them and You are being gracious to each one today. Thank You Father in Jesus Name. Amen and amen. Maggie and Family. Josh. Donnie S. 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. Kearley Family. Kathy S. Glen Beck. Bev and family. Tonya and family. Rick Burgess and family. 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 86°F and haze in Al Taji, IQ & the time there is 4:11 PM AST – on March 10, 2008
His Ministry to You
Uncategorized

What’s In A Name?

Leave a comment

IDOK DEVOTION for Friday, March 7, 2008

Psalm 9:
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
And those who KNOW Your name WILL put their trust in You. That’s as clear as I have ever heard it. When we KNOW His Name we WILL trust Him.
Which of His Names do you need to know today? Here are just a few to consider.
Jehovah-Jireh — The Lord our Provider.
El Shaddai — The God Who is sufficient for the needs of His people
Jehovah-Ropheka — The Lord our Healer
Jehovah-Sharma — The Lord is Present.
What’s in a Name? Everything when the Name is our God’s! Knowing His Name will get you through this day.
Update on Jon David: The surgery went well, so his nose should be straight after the healing, and the swelling goes down. Thanks for all of your prayers.
Father, You truly are The God who is sufficient for the needs of His people and You have provided for us already this morning. Thank You. I am grateful; I am delighted with You, Holy Awesome God. Thank You for teaching us Your Name. We pray to KNOW You better that our trust may increase. Thank You that You are HEALER to Jon David and Healer to others of these listed here today. Thank You that You are The Lord Present with us. Thank You that You are our Provider of every sort of need for each of these; for all Your people. For our IDOK Troops be El-Gibhor today, Mighty God, God the Warrior protecting them from all harm in mind, body and spirit. Raise them up to levels of trust in You that they have not know before and bring them safely home to family and friends at the appointed time. And Father, we petition You for a successful conclusion to this war; for the Peace of Israel; for conviction of sin, of righteousness and judgment to come for every lost soul, not only in America but over the world. We ask again that You cause Your Choice for America to be elected as President. We ask that You continue to bring to light, exposing the true character of each candidate. And we pray for the revival of Your Church, beginning here with IDOK; help each of us KNOW Your Name and bring Honor and Glory to Your Name today for Jesus sake. Amen and amen. Josh. Donnie S. 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. Kearley Family. Kathy S. Glen Beck. Bev and family. Tonya and family. Rick Burgess and family. 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 80°F and clear in Al Asad, IQ & the time there is 4:15 PM AST – on March 7, 2008

His Ministry to You


Web Sites used today for Names of God: http://www.characterbuildingforfamilies.com/names.html
http://www.ldolphin.org/Names.html

Uncategorized

Obedience is a Privilege (as well as a calling)

Leave a comment

IDOK DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2008

Can you believe it?!! Six days already into this new, exciting year — 2004.

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

And not to please ourselves.
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
His Ministry to You