IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2009

How about something ‘light’ and humorous today? Go with me to Numbers 22.

21 And Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.

22 And God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the Angel of the Lord stood in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

23 And the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way and His sword drawn in His hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey to turn her into the way.

24 But the Angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall on this side and a wall on that side.

25 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she thrust herself against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against it, and he struck her again.

26 And the Angel of the Lord went further and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right hand or to the left.

27 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam, and Balaam’s anger was kindled and he struck the donkey with his staff.

28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, What have I done to you that you should strike me these three times?

29 And Balaam said to the donkey, Because you have ridiculed and provoked me! I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!

30 And the donkey said to Balaam, Am not I your donkey, upon which you have ridden all your life long until this day? Was I ever accustomed to do so to you? And he said, No.

31 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His sword drawn in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell on his face.

32 And the Angel of the Lord said to him, Why have you struck your donkey these three times? See, I came out to stand against and resist you, for your behavior is willfully obstinate and contrary before Me.

33 And the ass saw Me and turned from Me these three times. If she had not turned from Me, surely I would have slain you and saved her alive.

34 Balaam said to the Angel of the Lord, I have sinned, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. But now, if my going displeases You, I will return.

Actually this passage is not ‘light’ but I have found it humorous many times. As I read it I can see the donkey and Balaam on the screen of my mind. It’s like watching a funny movie with a serious message. Did you note that Balaam was so fuming mad that he did not even notice that his donkey was talking? He was just answering her as if he were talking to one of his human servants. Maybe this is where we get that saying ‘I am so mad I can’t see straight’. Sorry to say I have seen the time I have been this angry I think. And as it was with Balaam so it was with me – this kind of anger does not overtake us unless we have moved into ‘rebellion’, that is we have willfully stepped outside what we KNOW God has instructed us to do, or not do.

As I read their conversation I am reminded of another conversation between a human and an animal. She was not surprised either to be conversing with an animal. I have my own thoughts about that – that in the time before sin entered the Garden the animals and Adam and Eve spoke fluently to one another. And as ABBA temporarily loosed the vocal cords of Balaam’s donkey, I believe in Eternity Future, He will do it again, permanently, and we will once again talk with the animals. I have some favored animals and I am looking forward to talking with them during the 1000 year reign and beyond . . . but back to Numbers 22. I have heard teachers use this Text to say that getting puffed up because God Is allowing us to speak for Him is really foolish of us because He has used a jackass for His purposes what’s the big deal in using us? And I don’t disagree with that. It usually gets a laugh from the audience. But you know what I really like about this? I am really love that God did an extraordinary thing, giving a donkey voice, in order to get His servant’s attention. That looks like LOVE to me because the Text clearly tells us that ABBA was greatly displeased with Balaam, even to the point that He was ready to give him his exit papers. Balaam was about to get fired, permanently!

One other thing I want to point out before we go to prayer today. Do you see the Capital Letters Angel of the Lord, His hand, for your behavior is willfully obstinate and contrary before Me, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. Some Bible Scholars believe this Angel of the Lord to be the pre-incarnate Jesus. Someday we will know for sure but this I do know, when I was stubborn, obstinate, acting like what we would call a ‘jackass’ Jesus came looking for me. And I tried to avoid Him more than a few times but finally I fell before Him. I am so glad I did!! And there are many more lessons in this passage but maybe we will save them for another day.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Adding Marzelle to list today as she is seeking diagnosis and treatment.

Bob Fisher died yesterday (Monday). Thank you for your prayers. I’m sure the family is feeling them.

Doug and Claudia continue to need our prayers

There is a special young woman having a birthday today (17^th); pray for Shannon to receive sweet and wonderful surprises from the Lord today.

ABBA, thank You for having this account recorded for us. Thank You for the mercy and grace that You so lavishly gave to Balaam and to us. Thank You for humor. Thank You for being You and teach us more and more of Who You are so we will love You more and more. We pray tonight for Mrs. Fisher and all the family; You know fully well how hard the death of one we love is to bear and so we know You know just how to comfort and give peace and strength to this grieving family and every grieving soul on our list. And we are adding Marzelle to our list, asking that You enlighten the doctors and give them a diagnosis and a remedy for her. And we are continuing to pray for Your Best for Doug and Claudia and all on this list. And I am still thinking about tonight’s Bible Study gathering at Bay Community and the message we heard. I love what I heard about You and I want You to tend me in all areas. I love that You have ‘wired’ us the way You have and that You desire to tend us and provide and produce in us what You have wired us to do. Oh ABBA, You have so gifted us. Thank You. And thank You for another gift – Shannon – be really sweet to her on her birthday, give her something that will tell her she is loved and appreciated. Protect our IDOK Troops again we pray; keep them safe in spirit, soul and body and please cleanse America as You see fit and revive Your Church for Jesus’ Name Sake. 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 97°F in Baghdad, IQ (Airport) and the time there is 7:39 AM AST on June 17, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2009

Have you ever met some one who just does not seem to be happy unless they have a ‘stink’ stirring? I mean they just seem to get their ‘kicks’ from controversy? It is as though they derive delight in getting a quarrel going and they go on and on and on for hours hammering their point. Do you know any folks like that? And do they wear you out and make you weary with their ‘enlightened’ point of view or their many ‘educated’ arguments? Me too. And do you sometime just want to throw up your hands and quit? Yes? Then read this.

I Timothy 6: 3 But if anyone teaches otherwise and does not assent to the sound and wholesome messages of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and the teaching which is in agreement with godliness (piety toward God),

4 He is puffed up with pride and stupefied with conceit, [although he is] woefully ignorant. He has a morbid fondness for controversy and disputes and strife about words, which result in (produce) envy and jealousy, quarrels and dissension, abuse and insults and slander, and base suspicions,

5 And protracted wrangling and wearing discussion and perpetual friction among men who are corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, who imagine that godliness or righteousness is a source of profit [a moneymaking business, a means of livelihood]. From such withdraw.

How’s that for making it plain? And could it be any sadder? Based upon this Word, when we encounter someone whose delight is as described we can know that soul is either lost, having not exchanged their sins for Christ’s Righteousness, or they have regressed into carnality. Arguing with them will surely fail … from that quickly withdraw! Ceasing to argue with them however, does NOT release us from praying for them and loving them – even loving them from a ‘distance’ if ABBA so leads.

20 O Timothy, guard and keep the deposit entrusted [to you]! Turn away from the irreverent babble and godless chatter, with the vain and empty and worldly phrases, and the subtleties and the contradictions in what is falsely called knowledge and spiritual illumination.

21 [For] by making such profession some have erred (missed the mark) as regards the faith. Grace (divine favor and blessing) be with you all! Amen (so be it).

I think we can safely start verse 20 with O ________ (fill in your name), don’t you think?

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please add my husband KC to the prayer list. He will be undergoing his 2^nd heart cath this week (after having 3 stents placed a month ago) and we are hoping that all has healed and they will not have to take him in for open heart at some point. He has been having additional discomfort and I pray that God helps him to heal and the blood continues to flow without blockage to his heart. Thank you, Kristi

ABBA, thank You for plain talk; thank You for I Timothy 6; thank You for all Your Word; we want to learn and we want to obey. We pray for KC as he is preparing for this 2^nd heart cath that You will give him peace of mind, both he and Kristi; that You will bless this procedure, that it will be textbook perfect and KC will recover and continue serving You and his family.

And we especially remember Kyle, his family is missing him especially since his birthday is less than a week away. We pray for Kyle and all our IDOK Troops that You will continue to keep them safe; that each of them will come home safe and sound at the appointed time. And we particularly pray that they will be discerning concerning those in whom they place confidence, in whom they invest time and resources. We pray they will make wise choices and we pray against unwise choices and if they occur that You will forgive and protect.

We are again thinking of Julia and praying that she will be comforted in this time of grief. We pray for encouragers to be near and dear to her. We pray this too for Billie Joyce. And for others as they make adjustments and seek a fresh vision from You for their lives. And we pray too for each one listed here; we don’t want one to go unnamed today. We want each one to sense Your Manifested Presence today, to acknowledge You, to worship You and give You their love and praise and we want Your best for each of them and it is for this we pray. Amen and amen.

A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. 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 90°F and light haze in Kuwait, KW (Airport) and the time there is 6:07 AM AST on June 16, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2009

Romans 14: 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Let us pursue PEACE today and I am certain as we remain in PEACE today, we will edify one another. I thought I was finished, that this would be short and quick but maybe not. I am reminded that in our pursuit of PEACE we must not compromise today for that will surely not edify.

Proverbs 25: 26 Like a muddied fountain and a polluted spring is a righteous man who yields, falls down, and compromises his integrity before the wicked.

Isn’t there are saying: Peace at any price is no peace at all? If there isn’t there should be. For Jesus sake, for your sake, for the sake of your families, remain in peace today.

Romans 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.

18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.

Prayer Reports:

The Memorial Service for Ollie Pettis on Saturday was good fellowship. There were tears and there were memories shared with laughter. Continued prayer for Billie Joyce and family would be appreciated. Ollie and Billie Joyce were married about 53 years; daughters, sons and grandchildren loved him very much, so you can imagine he will be sorely missed.

Joshua A

This little boy is the one we have been praying for who was born with a heart defect. It is hard to believe that he is almost 2 now. What a blessing he is to his family. Keep praying for that miracle for him..to be able to have the third surgery. He is a fighter and God has seen him through to this time in his short life. Thank you for being so faithful and praying for Joshua and his family. In His Love, Mabel

ABBA, as You will deliver this Word of PEACE. You know the heart of each IDOK; You know the conditions and circumstances of every home to which this message arrives – You know what needs to be and I pray it will be so. We pray again for Joshua; You know the plans You have for this little boy and his family and we proclaim by faith based on Your Word that they are good plans to give him hope and a future. We pray for Billie Joyce and the family as they grieve and prepare for a wedding; it seems like strange timing but Lord You know best and You will surely give strength and comfort. Doug’s stomach is not cooperating, I pray that You will correct this situation with him. I pray Claudia will receive strength and rest too. And Betty comes to mind too. You must be doing good things there. Thank You. And as we look over this list there are so many others, Thy will be done for Mike and Vickie and family.

And I pray for comfort for Julia (Bass) this morning as she attends to plans for a service for her mother. I know this experience and I know You are faithful. Bring along side all that she needs in practical helps I pray and give her PEACE.

We pray too for each of our IDOK Troops for their safety and protection in spirit, soul and body. Bring us to peace ABBA, each and every one of us for Jesus’ sake and in His Name. Amen and amen. A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Neolle T. Mary F. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Jarrod. BETTY. Stack Family. Brenda and her family. David Y. Joshua A. Kim T and her parents. Martha McC. Tamra and Family. Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Stellan. 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.

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.

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. (3/26). 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 108°F and haze in Balad, IQ (Airport) and the time there is 4:06 PM AST on June 15, 2009.