IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2009

As I corporately worshipped yesterday, I prayed for us who were experiencing Father’s Day without our earthly Fathers. It brought tears and praise as I should I think. It’s been 41 years since I have seen my Daddy’s face and I am sure of this, it won’t be 41 years more before I see him again. And I entirely owe that to Jesus, our Savior! To Him, be all the glory!

2 Corinthians 5

Assurance of the Resurrection

1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,

3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked.

4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

From God Alone by Joanie Yoder of Our Daily Bread

My favorite gospel tract is called “When I Think of Heaven.” It’s written by Joni Eareckson Tada, who is paralyzed from her neck down because of a diving accident that happened during her teenage years. Joni admits that thinking about heaven isn’t always easy, especially since we have to die to get there, unless Jesus returns first! Yet God works through trials to help us focus our minds on heaven.

As one who lives, travels, and ministers in a wheelchair, Joni writes confidently about heaven. “There’s not a doubt in my mind that I’ll be fantastically more excited and ready for it than if I were on my feet. You see, suffering gets us ready for heaven. Heaven becomes our passion.”

The apostle Paul knew that kind of passion. We groan for heaven, he said, not because we long to die but because we long to really live, to be with our Lord forever (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). But until then, “we live by faith, not by sight? (v.7).

I recently heard about an elderly gentleman who was greeted in this way:”Nice to see you in the land of the living!” “Oh, I’m not in the land of the living”, he replied. “I’m in the land of the dying. But I look forward to being in the land of the living soon when I’m in heaven.” That man’s heart is already there! Can that be said of you?

The Gains of Heaven Will More Than Compensate For The Losses of Earth.

Whether your name is on the deed of the property wherein you reside or not, it’s still a borrowed residence, but THERE, in the CITY to which we are going, is a dwelling place perfectly designed to perfectly suit you (and me), a gift from our Heavenly Father. Heaven is looking sweeter all the time.

John 14

1DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me.

2 In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you.

3 And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.

Amen, Come Lord Jesus.

PRAYER REQUESTS & REPORTS

We have added Loyce to our list; she’s 88 and is scheduled for a procedure this morning.

ABBA, in the quietness of this morning thank You that You are here for us and in us. We know You are tending Loyce in this time as she goes for this procedure. We know You are near and dear to the family as they wait and ABBA I thank You for that, we all do. And as this devotion reaches the screen of our IDOKs I pray You will deliver it to hearts; that will make it a sweet delivery, sweet and precious. I pray that our readers will be encouraged today in all their trials and disappoints. I ask You to protect our IDOK Troops, to keep them safe and sound in spirit, soul and body and I pray for the safe return of each of them. I don’t know the needs of every one on this list but thank You for tending them all today with Love and Wisdom. Thank You for Heaven, thank You for the dwelling place You are preparing for us; help us furnish it well while we are here with good works and service to You Lord Jesus. Amen and amen.

A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Loyce McM. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Jarrod. BETTY. Billie Joyce and family. Stack Family. Brenda and her family. Joshua A. Kim T and her parents. Martha McC. Tamra and Family. Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Darlene’s Sister. Tammy B and Family. Jackie K. Brian T. Ricky M. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Mike and Vickie. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family Mary. Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Mabel’s Aunt Lou. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. DeLois. Katelyn (B) J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Bay and family. Bill and Judy. Doug. Larry and Claudia and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Chuck. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Andrew and Daughters. Mollie B.

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.

ABBA, I am posting this here in prayer as a daily prayer and I am praying as pure in motive as I know how today, asking that You by whatever ways and means You choose, see to the removal from office of every elected Official in Washington and all 50 States that is not sensitive to and is not inclined to work to preserve Judaeo-Christian values and the Constitution of this Nation in its Original Intent. Lord, I am so sorry that many (and thank You not all) offices of this Nation are filled with corrupt, reprobate-minded people who have no regard for You or Your Word and if I have done anything that has contributed to the election of these people, please forgive me and stop me from any further actions that will damage and bring this Nation to complete ruin. I pray Holy Spirit that You will stir the hearts and prayers of enough people to bring this Nation to repentance and will clean and cleanse the offices and the Officials of this Nation. Father God, please have mercy on us. Lord Jesus, clean Washington even as You did the Temple if need be. And Lord some weeks later since this prayer began we have word from one of those Alabama officials that he wants our prayers, that he is mindful of You, that he does love You and obviously he is well acquainted with Your Word. And ABBA I am so delighted and grateful for this man and for others like him, so for each of them (and You know who they are, Lord) we pray that You will anoint and empower them to stand firm and holy in these places of service You have given them and Lord please bring others alongside to stand with them and help them. And as he suggested move us to be involved in the political process with more than just our prayers according to the individual will You have for each of us. Again, Lord, thank You for this news, thank You for what You are doing. Amen and amen.

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. Justin G. Michael K. Bay N. T. Palin. Richard M. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Chad B (3/2009) Kyle N.(3/09) [Kyle is having a birthday this month, extra blessings would be appreciated]. Jessica D. (4/09) Sgt. Vince Barrientos (5/2009)

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Brandon B.

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

Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08)

Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal – Adam M. Captain Tran. Josh. John L. Drew.

As I post this it is 109°F and Blowing Widespread Dust Haze in Balad, IQ (Airport) and the time there is 4:18 PM AST on June 22, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2009

Max Lucado has a good word for us this morning, especially since I am lacking this morning. It comes from his book Grace For The Moment.

Ephesians 6:18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

Living in God’s Presence

Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. Ephesians 6:18

How do I live in God’s presence? How do I detect His unseen hand on my shoulder and His inaudible voice in my ear? . . .How can you and I grow familiar with the voice of God? Here are a few ideas: Give God your waking thoughts. Before you step out of bed, step into His presence. Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend time with Him in silence. Give God your whispering thoughts . . . Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God. Give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let you mind settle on Him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to God.

Just Like Jesus

And in Tuesday’s Beth Moore DVD, she gave us a barometer as to our level of intimacy with God – she asked if we ‘Chit-Chat’ with God? That is do we practice His Presence; do we sense Him with us and that He is interested, that He cares about the ordinary things? When you’re driving (alone, most likely) and you see something that startles you or surprises you, do say to Him, did You see that? When you hear a comment, do you say to Him did You hear what she said? And do you hear His reply? That’s holy chit-chat, not the only barometer to measure our intimacy level with God but certainly one of them.

May each of us experience holy chit chat with Him today.

PRAYER REQUESTS & REPORTS

Kim’s surgery went well, she is resting, awaiting reports.

Claudia said: The really great news is: DOUG IS HOME! He still has a bad cough, and his catheter is still in, but his stomach and digestion are working….. He is tired but glad to be home. The home nursing will start tomorrow, and he will be fed 5 times a day….going to be busy.

ABBA, some of us, maybe many of us, have a lot of things on our minds this morning, things that have come to us uninvited, so to speak, and now that they have we need Your Mind about it, and while we wait for You to clear the path help us obey Your Word in Philippians 4:8 when You said whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. So I pray Holy Spirit that we will depend upon You today to do this command that You have given us even and especially with whatever is on our respective plates today. Thank You, ABBA.

Thank You for Kim’s successful procedure, help her rest well this weekend and return to work, help her rest well in spirit as she awaits word and we ask You for a good word, a clean bill of health please, Lord. And thank You that Doug is home, that his digestive system is functioning again, please continue his progress to better health. Please keep our IDOK Troops safe and sound today, keep their minds stayed on You. Keep all our minds today stayed on You so that Your Peace will guide us. Comfort, guide and give strength to each IDOK and Holy Spirit teach us the fine art of chit chatting with You. What I have experienced so far, nothing in this world compares to it and Lord I want more. I love You ABBA. Keep our IDOKs safe and sound this weekend and bring us back together again on Monday. Amen and amen. A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Jarrod. BETTY. Billie Joyce and family. Stack Family. Brenda and her family. Joshua A. Kim T and her parents. Martha McC. Tamra and Family. Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Darlene’s Sister. Tammy B and Family. Jackie K. Brian T. Ricky M. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Mike and Vickie. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family Mary. Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Mabel’s Aunt Lou. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. DeLois. Katelyn (B) J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Bay and family. Bill and Judy. Doug. Larry and Claudia and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Chuck. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Andrew and Daughters. Mollie B.

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.

ABBA, I am posting this here in prayer as a daily prayer and I am praying as pure in motive as I know how today, asking that You by whatever ways and means You choose, see to the removal from office of every elected Official in Washington and all 50 States that is not sensitive to and is not inclined to work to preserve Judaeo-Christian values and the Constitution of this Nation in its Original Intent. Lord, I am so sorry that many (and thank You not all) offices of this Nation are filled with corrupt, reprobate-minded people who have no regard for You or Your Word and if I have done anything that has contributed to the election of these people, please forgive me and stop me from any further actions that will damage and bring this Nation to complete ruin. I pray Holy Spirit that You will stir the hearts and prayers of enough people to bring this Nation to repentance and will clean and cleanse the offices and the Officials of this Nation. Father God, please have mercy on us. Lord Jesus, clean Washington even as You did the Temple if need be. And Lord some weeks later since this prayer began we have word from one of those Alabama officials that he wants our prayers, that he is mindful of You, that he does love You and obviously he is well acquainted with Your Word. And ABBA I am so delighted and grateful for this man and for others like him, so for each of them (and You know who they are, Lord) we pray that You will anoint and empower them to stand firm and holy in these places of service You have given them and Lord please bring others alongside to stand with them and help them. And as he suggested move us to be involved in the political process with more than just our prayers according to the individual will You have for each of us. Again, Lord, thank You for this news, thank You for what You are doing. Amen and amen.

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. Justin G. Michael K. Bay N. T. Palin. Richard M. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Chad B (3/2009) Kyle N.(3/09) [Kyle is having a birthday this month, extra blessings would be appreciated]. Jessica D. (4/09) Sgt. Vince Barrientos (5/2009)

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Brandon B.

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

Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08)

Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal – Adam M. Captain Tran. Josh. John L. Drew.

As I post this it is 104°F and clear in Balad, IQ (Airport) and the time there is 3:49 PM AST on June 19, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION OF THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2009

As you have witnessed many times in this course of years with IDOK, some mornings I am late to the screen to write. That always frustrates me and I have an urgent sense to get something, some word of encouragement, a prayer of strength to you as quickly as I can and this morning is one of those mornings.

So for a Word today and as not so ‘spiritual’ as this is I went to Psalm 18:18 and found this: They confronted and came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay and support. (By the way there is not a Psalm 6:18, I looked.)

This is a good and excellent Word for us today. The LORD today is our stay. He is our anchor to steady us (not only to keep us on course but to keep us safe from destruction) when the winds of adversity blow strong, hard and from every direction. It is not that we must hold on to Him, we must KNOW that HE IS HOLDING ON TO US – TO YOU this very day. It is for us to know today that when the ground we are standing on seems to be shaking and crumbling, HE IS OUR SUPPORT. He is our foundation and He WILL NOT fail us.

PRAYER REQUESTS

A diagnosis has been made for Marzelle and a plan of treatment will come. Marzella is a beloved Mother (age 83); she and her family continue to need our prayers.

And Kim is having some outpatient surgery soon, possibly this week.

Doug and Claudia continue to need our prayers

ABBA, take these few words and make them big in the hearts of every needy IDOK today. We thank You for a diagnosis for Marzelle; thank You for the 83 years of service she has given and a daughter and a sister and others are hoping and praying for even more and we are confident that in Your Eternal Plan and Purpose for this precious and beloved servant that You are tending her faithfully and we entrust her treatment and recovery to You. We pray for rest and peace for her family. We continue to pray for Doug, asking for his recovery and restoration and the same for Claudia as she continues to stand with him to bless and care for him.

And Kim we pray for a textbook perfect procedure and a full and complete recovery and for peace in the meantime for her and her mother and the family.

And there are others listed here, many others and for them we pray too – not knowing what to specifically we pray we just entrust them to You for Your Will.

And we pray for our IDOK Troops for their protection and safety today and we petition again for their safe returns home at the appointed time.

And we continue to renew our prayer for the repentance and restoration of this Nation. And we prayer especially for Your Church to be revived and empowered to exalt You and see people from this Nation and all Nations saved and rescued from sin and hell. I ask You to comfort and correct and supply grace and provisions of every kind to each of our IDOKs. Amen and amen.

A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Jarrod. BETTY. Billie Joyce and family. Stack Family. Brenda and her family. Joshua A. Kim T and her parents. Martha McC. Tamra and Family. Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Darlene’s Sister. Tammy B and Family. Jackie K. Brian T. Ricky M. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Mike and Vickie. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family Mary. Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Mabel’s Aunt Lou. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. DeLois. Katelyn (B) J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Bay and family. Bill and Judy. Doug. Larry and Claudia and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Chuck. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Andrew and Daughters. Mollie B.

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.

ABBA, I am posting this here in prayer as a daily prayer and I am praying as pure in motive as I know how today, asking that You by whatever ways and means You choose, see to the removal from office of every elected Official in Washington and all 50 States that is not sensitive to and is not inclined to work to preserve Judaeo-Christian values and the Constitution of this Nation in its Original Intent. Lord, I am so sorry that many (and thank You not all) offices of this Nation are filled with corrupt, reprobate-minded people who have no regard for You or Your Word and if I have done anything that has contributed to the election of these people, please forgive me and stop me from any further actions that will damage and bring this Nation to complete ruin. I pray Holy Spirit that You will stir the hearts and prayers of enough people to bring this Nation to repentance and will clean and cleanse the offices and the Officials of this Nation. Father God, please have mercy on us. Lord Jesus, clean Washington even as You did the Temple if need be. And Lord some weeks later since this prayer began we have word from one of those Alabama officials that he wants our prayers, that he is mindful of You, that he does love You and obviously he is well acquainted with Your Word. And ABBA I am so delighted and grateful for this man and for others like him, so for each of them (and You know who they are, Lord) we pray that You will anoint and empower them to stand firm and holy in these places of service You have given them and Lord please bring others alongside to stand with them and help them. And as he suggested move us to be involved in the political process with more than just our prayers according to the individual will You have for each of us. Again, Lord, thank You for this news, thank You for what You are doing. Amen and amen.

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. Justin G. Michael K. Bay N. T. Palin. Richard M. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Chad B (3/2009) Kyle N.(3/09) [Kyle is having a birthday this month, extra blessings would be appreciated]. Jessica D. (4/09) Sgt. Vince Barrientos (5/2009)

IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Brandon B.

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

Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08)

Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal – Adam M. Captain Tran. Josh. John L. Drew.

As I post this it is 99°F and clear in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time there is 3:31 PM AST on June 18, 2009.