IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, JULY 27, 2009

My beloved is building again. This time it is a walkway to the deck from the back porch. Today (Saturday) he laid the foundation boards and as I looked at the boards in place I thought how delighted I would be when it was finished and functioning as intended. Again, I was looking to what will be and there is nothing wrong in that; it’s good to look for what will be. But looking to what will be and failing to appreciate, admire and learn from what is, is to cheat ourselves. I cheat myself often; my husband doesn’t. There’s no doubt he wants the walkway finished, but he enjoyed cutting the lumber, leveling the ground, and laying the foundation boards, the whole bit. And he will enjoy the remainder of the project all the way to completion. I think as of this moment, I shall make a deliberate effort to be more like that, to enjoy ‘the work in progress’. I think that would be pleasing not only to Jerry but our ABBA too. In fact, Jerry reminds me of ABBA in this. You and I are not ‘Finished Works’, we are a ‘work in progress’. And I am certain ABBA has seen us completed. And I am certain, He desires fellowship with us in that perfected and completed state; but until then, I think, He enjoys the process and the progress.

Zephaniah 3:16-18 (New King James Version)

17 The LORD your God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Our list continues to grow; many folks in need of prayer.

ABBA, Thank You for the process and the progress that You are making in each of us. Thank You that You rejoice over us with singing. And we pray that we will give You more and more reasons to rejoice; that our conduct, that the meditations of our hearts will more and more be pleasing to You. We pray now for Susanne as the newest one to our list that You will comfort her and give strength and relief and show Yourself mighty on her behalf. Thank You for the privilege of praying for her and all these here; we cannot see what You see, we cannot know the deep, deep needs and cries of the hearts of these but You do and we know You see them; that You see them and You are moved with compassion for them. We see with the eyes of faith You loving each one and in tender mercy and with great passion bending low and lifting them up; we see You weep with those weeping and rejoicing with those who are rejoicing; we see You laughing, we see You loving them and we entrust each name, each face to You; our IDOK Troops too, asking You to bring them home safe and sound. Amen and amen.

A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about.

Susanne M. Alice T. Elaine W. Joni and Todd. Roy and Julee. Glenn R and his family. Holly. Donald 2. Ed G. Debra B. Jon E. Katie B. Brian. Donald 1. 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, Leona. 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 removing this ‘posting’ for the Cleansing of America and leaving it with You.

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. Kyle N(3/09). 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 clear in Kuwait, KW (Airport) and the time there 7:11 AM AST on July 27, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2009

It has been a busy week, and my first strokes of the keyboard this morning are even later than usual; I have read a few chapters of Hebrews again, and on this Friday morning, I think I have a brief, and I do mean brief, word for us. Hebrews 6:18 This was so that, by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before [us].

It seems my direction this morning is that we should find comfort and hold fast to the infallible Word that our God can never and will never DECEIVE us. In this uncertain time and social-political climate, many are making it their business to deceive us; but we in HIM have mighty indwelling strength which I believe when we lean hard upon Him and obey HIM, He will even reveal to us the DECEIT of others that we may avoid the potholes and ditches our Arch Enemy desires to see us fall in. So let us embrace this Fabulous Friday with confidence that we in Christ Jesus are not DECEIVED.

ABBA, I am grateful for the reminder and the sure Word that You are always and forever Truth and there is no deceit in You and You will not deceive us; You tell the truth always, I pray we will hear, believe, and receive. I pray again for Alice, You know those test results, You know the plans You have for her, and I am encouraged and delighted that she knows too that You are for her and not against her in this illness and always. Thank You that You are for and not against every soul listed here; those who are grieving, those with diseases raging, those with sin raging; in every condition and circumstance, You are our help and their help; we acknowledge this and speak LIFE over every name listed here. We pray for our IDOK Troops for their protection and safety and peace of mind, and safe return home. We pray for Israel’s peace, for the spread of Your Gospel in every land, and for sinners to be converted and saints to be refreshed and revived for Jesus’ sake. Amen and amen.

As I post this, it is 111°F and clear in Baghdad, IQ (Airport), and the time there is 3:44 PM AST on July 24, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-6aeJ8sqLA

I have been reading again this morning in Hebrews and am settling for the purpose of this devotion in chapter 4. As we travel the hours of this Thursday we will meet our challenges if we hold with tenacity this: 13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.

That means NOTHING that comes into our lives today will/has taken our God by surprise; no downturn, no upturn, no sickness, no disease, no harsh word, and not even is any one going to get by with mistreating you today that ABBA is not and has not been aware of since before the foundation of the world and He has promised AND He has given instructions; let us read, believe and live tenaciously today all for the glory of our Father.

(Romans 12) 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

ABBA, thank You for this Word this morning; You see, You are aware, nothing is hidden from You; nothing about me, nothing about nothing is concealed from You; that is comforting to me. Thank You. I can rest easy today knowing that You are aware; You know and because You know You will act appropriately and timely not only for Your glory but for my good, all of us, all that You have redeemed. This is good and I am glad. So I pray for our IDOKs and for myself that this Word will take root and bear fruit in us. I pray for our IDOK Troops to be safe and well today. I pray for Israel to be led in Peace; I pray for Your Gospel to be preached in all the world and for sinners to be converted to Christ and for saints to glorify His Name today. And we pray for each listed here, just bringing their name to Your Ears so we can be a part of the work You are doing in them and on their behalf; we entrust them to You, expecting You to lavish Your Love, mercy and grace upon them for Jesus Sake. Amen and amen.

A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about.

Elaine W. Joni and Todd. Roy and Julee. Glenn R and his family. Holly. Donald 2. Ed G. Debra B. Jon E. Katie B. Brian. Donald 1. 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, Leona. 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 removing this ‘posting’ for the Cleansing of America and leaving it with You.

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. Kyle N(3/09). 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 111°F and haze in Al Taji, IQ (Airport) and the time there 3:38 PM AST on July 23, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2009

My study time was brief yesterday and I did not settle in to write this morning I have walked 2.22 miles, packed my beloved a lunch, and have decided to let Beth Moore share with us today from her devotional book Breaking Free Day by Day. Today’s reading is this:

What fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of? Romans 6:21

Have you noticed that there is no such thing as a small act of disobedience? To disregard God’s commands is a sure way to bear bitter fruit, sooner or later. Some of Israel’s kings who otherwise followed God’s ways still failed to tear down the high places of pagan worship. Ultimately, this oversight took its toll. A kingdom resulted in which God’s own people sacrificed their children to pagan gods.

Truly, anything we exalt over God in our thoughts—even a little thing—is an idol, which is a terrible affront to God. It is also an open invitation to disaster. Never forget the ever-increasing nature of sin.

Even though I am brief this morning I cannot let this observation pass. A kingdom resulted in which God’s own people sacrificed their children to pagan gods. America dare not thumb her nose at this event in Israel’s history as since Row v Wade Americans have sacrificed more than 38,325,000 of their own children to the god of self in the abortion mills across this Land. What a gracious God we have that He has not annihilated us.

Lamentations 3:22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.

Romans 6:

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!

16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.

21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.

22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

May the Peace of God and our gratitude to Him rule in us today so that we will not sin against our God!

As I post this it is 108°F and haze in Al Asad, IQ (Airport), and the time there is 3:37 PM AST on July 22, 2009.