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.

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 99°F and clear in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time 3:38 PM AST on August 11, 2009.