What’s The Difference?

11 Aug 2009 Kathie Whitestone Thompson Leave a comment

IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2009

Let me share with you something you already know but maybe not in the same way you know. This comes from a booklet entitled How Has God Loved Us?, (page 26) from the Discovery Series of Radio Bible Class Ministries, and authored by Martin R. De Haan II.

“Having met the condition of accepting Christ as Savior, these people are in a position to enter fully into the love and acceptance of God. This doesn’t mean God will never be displeased, angry, or un-accepting of self-destructive and disobedient behavior. It does mean that these behaviors will be handled on the basis of perfect family love rather than the legal judgment and condemning rejection that awaits those outside of Christ.”

And there you have it, the difference between ‘discipline’ and ‘punishment’. Christians are disciplined but never punished and the unsaved, in this life in some manner will suffer the natural consequences of immoral choices, and in the hereafter they will receive their just punishment and by definition from my online dictionary, punishment is a penalty for a crime or offence. And what is the lost man’s crime? — rejecting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Acts 4(Amplified Bible)

11This [Jesus] is the Stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head of the corner [the Cornerstone].

12And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.

Our author says God handles our unacceptable behaviors on the basis of perfect family love rather than legal judgment and I agree and I am convinced the whole counsel of God supports this belief. I am further convinced that loving parents do NOT punish their children, they discipline them. Discipline has one purpose, to train the child to forsake self-destructive behaviors and embrace acceptable behaviors. Loving family discipline is not about the parents’ feelings being hurt or even their embarrassment in the neighborhood, neither is it about the child ‘paying’ for their unacceptable behavior (sin) – how could they? The penalty for sin is death. Loving family discipline is about loving the child and giving that child a framework from which to cease further self-inflicted injury, either spiritually, emotionally or physically. And that is ABBA’s purpose toward us. If only we as parents would consistently model His form of discipline, may be there would be more souls rescued from eternal punishment.

Let me say again, GOD does not PUNISH Christians; He already PUNISHED Jesus, as our Substitute.

Isaiah 53: NKJV

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 6:22-23 (Amplified Bible)

22But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life.

23For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord.

So my sister (or brother) if you have received discipline from ABBA do not put a smile on Satan’s face by saying God is punishing you. Rather, put a smile on your face, bend your knees and your heart and praise Him with exceeding thanks that you are His child and He has loved you with perfect family love and has taken you to the wood shed.

Hebrews 12:7-9 (New King James Version)

7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.

9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

I got word this afternoon that Lisa’s kidneys have begun some slight function again.

Please especially pray today for the highlighted names below.

ABBA, I can’t say this has been an easy one to write and it has not come quickly but it seems important to me and so I entrust it to You for You to anoint as You see fit. Happy news and painful news has come to this ministry today. We praise You for the happy news and we praise You that You are in control of the painful news. Emma and the McCraver Family I am highlighting to You. It was so comforting and good to read from Emma that Joe and Susan had return to Church and were actively serving You. Thank You for letting me know that. And I pray for Emma, for traveling details to be taken care for her and for her to be a comfort to her brother and family. And Holy Spirit I pray Your Comfort and Peace to surround and permeate this family. Thank You that Lisa has improved, please give her a full recovery. You know Joe-Ann’s needs and I pray she will look to You for every one of them. Comfort Vickie and her family, and if You will remove all cancer from Donald1, give strength to Mollie B and her family; and WC and Doug, give them and each one listed here the desires of their hearts we pray. Please continue to protect our IDOK Troops, Israel, Your Missionaries around the world and bring America to repentance I pray. Amen and Amen. A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Joe-Ann. McCarver Family. Vickie and Family. Brittany M and family. Dennis and Lisa J. Jack. Melanie and Jay M. Susanne M. Alice T. Elaine W and Family. 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. DeLois. Mollie B. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Jarrod. BETTY. 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. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family Mary.. 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. Katelyn (B) J Lloyd. 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.

Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry

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 5:29 AM AST on August 12, 2009.

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Myself, Me and HIM

11 Aug 2009 Kathie Whitestone Thompson Leave a comment

IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2009

I am ‘eating’ my words this morning from December 19, 2007

Myself, Me and HIM

Let me share a phrase (from Wonderful Names of Our Wonderful Lord, compiled by Charles E. Hurlburt and T.C. Horton) that I read today – it seemed to be ‘highlighted’ by The Holy Spirit. The piece was written about Jesus, saying He is our Strong Rock, our Refuge, our Safe Retreat. And He is. We have experienced Him. And then this phrase, listen: “A strong, safe house, in which I am defended from myself, the world, and the devil.” He is the place, the Whom in which I am DEFENDED; but look at the number 1 person from whom He defends me — ME. I am pondering this one. I know it is true, I am my own worst enemy and I am pretty sure you are your own worst enemy too. BUT we have a CHAMPION. We have a DEFENDER and His Name is JESUS. So when Myself attacks ME, He defends Me. Is that incredible?! So how does Myself attack Me. There may be a number of fronts of attack but they all begin in one place – the MIND. Myself begins her attack on Me in my thoughts. And what’s worse when those thoughts find voice – MY voice, others can be hurt too. And often the others hurting are those closest to Me – that spouse who grieves when Me talks so badly about his wife that he loves so much; or children who love their mother and they hear ME belittle her. Wonder what that generates in their thoughts? Does it begin to erode respect? Does it cause pity to grow? What? So how does my Champion defend Me? The same way He resisted Satan.

Matthew 4:

3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

So when the tempter speaks to us, be that tempter – Myself, the world or the devil – The Word of God is our defense.

John 1: 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

There is a passage of Scripture that addresses every battle and it is our job to look and find them, with the Holy Spirit guiding us, of course. In the meantime, while we learn, here is a nugget that will ‘defend’ and give victory in all situations: when Myself attacks Me or if Me is tempted to attack some one else.

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

The Word commands us to be kind to one another, don’t you think that includes ME (you)? Why do we say things about ourselves within the confines of our own thoughts that we would not say to someone else? How often do you look at your best friend and tell her she is fat, ugly and stupid? But Myself tells Me that, doesn’t she? Is it because we have believed the lie of the Evil One, that’s somehow humble means to belittle ourselves?

Lets give Jesus a wonderful gift this year; one He really wants – accept Him as our Defender of Myself and fight back with HIS WORD.

Now I am accountable to you for practicing this message and my beloved will be my witness – hmmm. How do I get myself into these ‘messes’ – opening my big mouth!!

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Father, thank You for lessons we must have even when they are hard to admit and hard to heed – help us all practice today for Jesus sake. Thank You for the good work You are doing in each of these listed here today. We pray for children and grandchildren going to school this morning that they will do their best and You will be glorified. We ask You for protection for our IDOK Troops today, to keep them from all harm in mind, body and spirit and we ask that they be comforted with Your Peace this Season and bring them home to us safe and sound at the appointed time and bring a successful conclusion to this war and Peace to Israel, and Repentance to America and Revive Your Church Oh Lord, especially help us repent and be filled with You Holy Spirit as our gift to You Lord Jesus. Amen and Amen. A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Vickie and Family. Brittany M and family. Dennis and Lisa. Jack. Melanie and Jay M. Susanne M. Alice T. Elaine W and Family. 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. DeLois. Mollie B. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Jarrod. BETTY. 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. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family Mary.. 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. Katelyn (B) J Lloyd. 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.