IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2009

In a resting moment yesterday, I turned through the pages of my Momma’s Bible; the one she used for the last thirty-two years, ever since I presented it to her for Christmas 1976 and between the pages I found Momma’s heart. There was a book mark made and given by Andria when she had just learned to write in cursive. It said to a sweet and loving grandma. I love you. And there is a note written in Momma’s hand: I got saved last Sunday in June about twelve 1956. And then one more note I want to share with you. Of Romans 8:26-39, she said I love these verses. Please read them with me today, only exception we are reading NKJV rather than KJV.

Romans 8:26-39 (New King James Version)

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written:

“ For Your sake we are killed all day long;

We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who 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 created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And all God’s People said AMEN!

I hope you write in your Bibles too. Dates of sermons, the Pastors who preached them, impressions the Holy Spirit makes upon you as you listen and as you read. I hope your Bible is the most precious gift you have in your life. I hope when you have passed from earth to Heaven those you love the most can pick up your Bible and find your heart there on its pages. It will be an un-comparable comfort to them.

ABBA, You know my heart, You know my thoughts this morning. You know the cares of my heart. As best I know how I give them to You. Thank You for Your Word. It is LIFE to me and my Momma’s notes, those precious words written in her own hand could not have been recorded and preserved in a more comforting place than on and between the pages of Your Word. Thank You LORD. And this morning I ask You to comfort and bless these written here. I pray YOUR WORD will be the most precious gift that any one of us have. I pray Your WORD is and will be our Legacy to our families and our friends.

We pray this morning that You will again protect our IDOK Troops and their families. Thank You that Richard is home for some R and R and I pray he will use this time wisely and to Your Glory. I pray he will be refreshed to return and complete his mission. I pray You will be glorified in Richard always. I pray You will be glorified in all our Troops, in the way they think and conduct themselves at home and on foreign soil. Bless them we pray, keep them safe in Spirit, soul and body.

Forgive America and give space and grace to repent, we pray. Bring peace to Israel and pour out Your Spirit upon Your Sons and Your Daughters we pray and ABBA let me be one of them and it is in Jesus Name I ask. Amen and amen.

A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Cathie R’s Family. Tamra and Family. Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Emily. Stellan. Chandler. Mrs. Walker. Christopher H and his family. Darlene’s Sister. Mr. Matthews. Tammy B and Family. Jackie K. Brian T. Ricky M. Chloe Melissa. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Mike and Vickie. Natalie. Kathy and family. Tommy and Raye. Doug. Frank. Jeanette. Francis T. Cathy T. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Emily. Walt. Phillip. Margie and Craig. Sandra. Terry and family. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family. Carolyn. Mary. Mabel. Amy, Kevin and Girls. Joan. Kimberly. Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Trisha. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Branson. The O’Brien family. Kim and her Fiancee. Jonathan. Mabel’s Aunt Lou. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Bay and family. John and Carolyn and Family. Larry and Claudia and family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. 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. Chuck. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Erin. Alan. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Lance. Candance and Family. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Andrew and Daughters. Lee. Sharron and family, Linda and family, Bev and Family, Mollie B. Friends at work.

Public and Private School Teachers.

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. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G. Michael K. Sgt. Bozicevich. Bay N. T. Palin. John L. Richard M. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Chad B (3/2009) Kyle N. (3/26)

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Brandon B.

Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Lee. George. Travis N. Hawk. Justin G.

Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08) http://www.strafford1st.com/page25/page26/page26.html

Military at home, specifically those emotional/spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal – Adam M. (great news, not only is Adam at home he is getting married!!!) Captain Tran. Josh.

As I post this it is 75.4°F and mostly cloudy in Kuwait, Salmiya, KW (PWS) and the time there is 3:20 PM AST on April 15, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009

The hour is late for early morning and so I hope this comes together quickly and smoothly. It’s about gloves. I slipped on a pair Saturday and thought of IDOK, a lesson for us. I have worked in the garden without gloves, pulling weeds and the like. It’s not a good idea. I really cannot put my ‘heart’ in to it because I am considered about my hands. You know, little thorns and the like. But when I put my gloves on, oh what a difference! I can get in there and yank on those weeds, going from one to the next in speedy fashion — my hands are protected. And so as all these thoughts were forming in mind, Scripture came to mind too. And you know which one, don’t you? Putting on the full armor of God. Putting on the Armor of God reminds me of putting on gloves to work in the garden. With ABBA’s armor on we can till the soil, pull weeds, plant seeds, water and fertilize, often without injury. I know some thorns are so tough that even with gloves there will be some pain and even a little blood here and there and it is the same with The Armor but imagine or do we have to imagine? Have we not gone out into the world, the neighborhood, even to Church without the Armor? And what happened? There were thorns, weren’t there? And it hurt. It hurt more than it would have if our Armor had been in place. Put on the FULL ARMOR OF GOD this morning and your gardening in Father’s Vineyard will be much more productive and you will be much more protected. And when your day is done and you go in the house for ‘clean’ up it will be much less than it would be without your ‘gloves’.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

We have been praying for Cathie R for awhile. I received word today (Monday) that Cathie is home with Jesus now. Now she is completely whole. Let us, please pray for Bethany, her Dad and their family.

ABBA, first we are praying for Bethany and her Dad and all the family. Cathie means so much to them and I know they are grateful for her healing and I am confident they wanted You to heal her here rather than there with You but LORD, I am trusting they are thanking You that she is whole now. And HOLY SPIRIT I am trusting You to comfort them and guide them in this grieving process. I am trusting You to bring along side Your Messengers of comfort and practical blessings and provisions for them in this time. And I thank You now for all of this. And we thank You for the great news about Alex and Chandler. It makes us smile so big.

And I am thanking You for protecting Claudia and Larry through the storms of yesterday and I pray for a practical blessing, that electrical power be restored soon. And today being her birthday I pray rich, rich blessings for her.

And we pray too for each listed here, for practical blessings and for their Spirits to be revived and renewed and for those who are yet dead in trespasses and sins we pray for their deliverance and rebirth.

Thank You that Adam is home safe and sound and we pray for his upcoming wedding. We pray for a marriage that honors and exalts You LORD and depicts You and Your Bride, just the way You designed marriage to do. We pray for our other IDOK Troops still serving that You will again protect them today and at the appointed time bring them home to us safe and sound. And while they are there today performing their duties, we pray they are remembering to put on their most protective armor, the armor You have provided for them, for all of us.

We pray for Israel for their Peace and Protection. We pray for the people of America, for repentance. We ask You to pour out Your Spirit upon us to convince us and convict us of sin, righteousness and judgment to come. We pray for the Obama Administration; thank You that You are still in control and we pray for You to stem the tide of evil and move us to put on Your Amour and do what You tell us to do in this. And thank You so much for the good decision that he made regarding the pirates. And I pray You will bless him for that. Thank You LORD. And ABBA as I move on in this day, I pray that I and all our IDOKS will put on just the right pair of gloves today, not only our gloves but the full armor that You have provided for us and I pray we will work very well in Your Vineyard today, pulling only the weeds You direct, and tilling and planting seeds and harvesting those fruits that You have made ready. You are so AWESOME to allow us this privilege. I pray we will not fail You today for Jesus sake. Amen and amen.

A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Cathie R’s Family. Tamra and Family. Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Emily. Stellan. Chandler. Mrs. Walker. Christopher H and his family. Darlene’s Sister. Mr. Matthews. Tammy B and Family. Jackie K. Brian T. Ricky M. Chloe Melissa. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Mike and Vickie. Natalie. Kathy and family. Tommy and Raye. Doug. Frank. Jeanette. Francis T. Cathy T. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Emily. Walt. Phillip. Margie and Craig. Sandra. Terry and family. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family. Carolyn. Mary. Mabel. Amy, Kevin and Girls. Joan. Kimberly. Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Trisha. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Branson. The O’Brien family. Kim and her Fiancee. Jonathan. Mabel’s Aunt Lou. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Bay and family. John and Carolyn and Family. Larry and Claudia and family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. 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. Chuck. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Erin. Alan. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Lance. Candance and Family. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Andrew and Daughters. Lee. Sharron and family, Linda and family, Bev and Family, Mollie B. Friends at work.

Public and Private School Teachers.

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. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G. Michael K. Sgt. Bozicevich. Bay N. T. Palin. John L. Richard M. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Chad B (3/2009) Kyle N. (3/26)

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Brandon B.

Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Lee. George. Travis N. Hawk. Justin G.

Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08) http://www.strafford1st.com/page25/page26/page26.html

Military at home, specifically those emotional/spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal – Adam M. (great news, not only is Adam at home he is getting married!!!) Captain Tran. Josh.

As I post this it is 81°F and mostly cloudy in Baghdad, IQ (Airport) and the time there is 3:20 PM AST on April 14, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009

It’s Spring Break for Baldwin and Mobile Countries but tax season isn’t over just yet so we are blessed with 3 overnighters for a few nights. Hopefully, writing time for IDOKs will not be too impaired.

I’ve been teary a few times today (Resurrection Sunday) … Good tears. Tears of gratitude. At sunrise service we sang He Arose. One of my favorites. Up from the grave He arose triumphant over His foes. Http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh322.sht

This was my first Easter with my Momma in Heaven and me still here. I missed her but as best I could I imagined her seeing the risen Savior more clearly than I have yet to see Him. To be sure we have been introduced and I am intimately acquainted with Him but not like those there in Heaven with Him.

Revelation 19:

1After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!

Saturday’s update on Chandler:

I know this is a busy weekend but I wanted you to know that, 24 hours after Chandler’s surgery, he is able to walk, talk, eat and go to the potty. This afternoon, he is making the 4 ½ hour trip to Mobile.

To God be the glory. The rest of Chandler’s story hasn’t been written yet, but it is gonna be all good. Thanks for your prayers and your willingness to pray for this young man you don’t even know.

ABBA, thank You for the sunshine and blue skies that covered Friday, Saturday and Sunday and now this morning for the rain that has come. Thank You for safety of travel for those that mean so much to us. Thank You for this miracle report of Chandler. You have delighted us. Thank You. And we pray for his continued recovery and LORD I renew my request that he will preach Your Gospel. We pray too this morning for all these listed here; bless them with Your Sweet Presence, meet their needs accordingly to Your Riches in Glory. Please protect our IDOK Troops and return them safely home at the appointed time. We pray for the Peace of Israel and the surrender and/or defeat of all their enemies. We pray for repentance for the people of America; for the refreshing and reviving of Your Church. Convict, correct and fill us with Yourself, LORD. Amen and amen.

A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Tamra and Family. Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Emily. Stellan. Chandler. Mrs. Walker. Christopher H and his family. Darlene’s Sister. Mr. Matthews. Tammy B and Family. Jackie K. Brian T. Ricky M. Chloe Melissa. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Mike and Vickie. Natalie. Kathy and family. Tommy and Raye. Doug. Frank. Jeanette. Francis T. Cathy T. Cathie R and family. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Emily. Walt. Phillip. Margie and Craig. Sandra. Terry and family. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family. Carolyn. Mary. Mabel. Amy, Kevin and Girls. Joan. Kimberly. Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Trisha. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Branson. The O’Brien family. Kim and her Fiancee. Jonathan. Mabel’s Aunt Lou. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Bay and family. John and Carolyn and Family. Larry and Claudia and family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. 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. Chuck. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Erin. Alan. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Lance. Candance and Family. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Andrew and Daughters. Lee. Sharron and family, Linda and family, Bev and Family, Mollie B. Friends at work.

Public and Private School Teachers.

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. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G. Michael K. Sgt. Bozicevich. Bay N. T. Palin. John L. Richard M. Adam M. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Chad B (3/2009) Kyle N. (3/26)

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Brandon B.

Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Lee. George. Travis N. Hawk. Justin G.

Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08) http://www.strafford1st.com/page25/page26/page26.html

Military at home, specifically those emotional/spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal – Captain Tran Josh.

As I post this it is 78°F and partly cloudy in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time there is 4:27 PM AST on April 13, 2009.