IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009

As I begin, I have only an idea, I am anticipating where it is going. Anyway, last Fall a sweetheart of a sister in Christ gave me some Four O’clock seeds and this spring I planted them and I waited and waited. I also planted some other stuff in the bed too. And in time stuff began to come up, put on leaves – pretty, pretty green foliage. But there was one plant in all the stuff that I was not sure that it was not a weed. But I just could not pull it. I could not pull it up because it seemed to me it was just about where I dropped those Four O’clock seeds. So I left it. It’s the rattiest looking plant in the bed, the leaves are tattered to practically numbs, but still I left it. Just watching it. Just wondering and about passed hoping. And this morning atop those ragged, tattered leaves is something yellow. I do believe there is a bloom or two. And in this moment, I am wondering, will it open at 4:00? The bloom confirms for me that of all those seeds I planted, one of them made it! I have a Four O’clock! So what spiritual applications can we draw from this? What Scriptures come to mind? Galatians 6: ⁹And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Yes, that one for sure. Any others? How about Numbers 23: 19“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? What about the parable of the sower? Not all those seeds took root and bore ‘fruit’. Matthew 13: ²² Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. And when we are sharing the Gospel, not all our words and deeds will find a home for growing, but we should keep on keeping on for that one that will say yes and bloom. Shouldn’t we? We should hold out and hold on for those ‘Four O’clocks’ shouldn’t we? And what about the tares and the wheat? Matthew 13: ²⁷ So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ ²⁸ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ ²⁹ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” Do we ever want to uproot something? Maybe we should wait on Jesus to do that, whatcha think? So that’s my Four O’clock lesson. I am so glad I waited and did not uproot that scrawny, single plant. It turned out to be just what I was waiting for. Holy Spirit, some of our IDOKs or some of our Readers may have a scrawny, single plant growing that they are not sure about; they know they planted a good seed but now they are doubting that seed; help them wait on You; help them wait and let You show them if it will become what they hoped for; help them wait on You to see if it blooms. Amen and amen in Jesus’ Name.

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

October 6, Vicki Williamson will have knee replacement surgery; Bob, her husband, is still recovering from health issues as well. Please pray for this dear, faithful missionary family.

Katelyn’s surgery went well and she is home improving.

Last I heard Lisa J has returned to Alabama from Tennessee but her kidneys are still not functioning – not doing well. (if anyone has more update to information, please let me know)

Sometimes I don’t know where to begin to pray for this list of names, the needs are too big to get my words around, too big to comprehend, too big to feel adequate enough to say the right words to make a difference but then I am reminded this is not dependent upon us but upon You. You told us, ABBA, that the fervent prayers of the righteous avails much and in You Jesus, You have made us righteous and we together are fervent in our love and desire for every one listed here to be helped, to be touched by You and made better in every way. Thank You for the good report from Kristi about Katelyn and we pray for her to continue to improve every day. We pray she will be eating by mouth and doing well with it before expected. We pray for Vicki and this surgery that it will go well with her and Bob too. We don’t know what the news in fact is with Lisa, You do and we pray Your best for her and her family. We heard another IDOK Soldier is Stateside now and will be home soon. Thank You, ABBA, for Richard’s safe return and we pray now for his re-entry to civilian life that he will be mindful of what it is that You brought him home safe and sound to do and that he will be faithful to fulfill Your mission for him here. And we pray for our other IDOK Troops for their safe returns home too but until then that they will be mindful of You and will keep their hearts tuned to Your voice to obey You. And, ABBA, I pray again for Israel, thank You for love for this great Nation, You have made many promises to them and I love seeing You keep those promises. I pray for their peace and their safety and for allies to be faithful; I pray America will not fail in this. And, LORD, You know two in particular I am thinking of, I pray for healing and for peace for them both. Thank You for this ministry, thank You for every IDOK, minister to us, Lord Jesus, there’s not a one of us that does not need You in this very moment. Amen and amen in Your Holy and Matchless Name.

A Specific Unspoken.

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

Children and/or Grandchildren about whom Moms (& Dads) are concerned that their salvation profession may not be true.

Vicki and Bob. Brady and Chloe. Patti and family. Joyce, John & children. Sean. Susan R. Kay B. Louise. Sparky S. Rusty & Romney. Johnny McK and family. Katie H. Amber Johns. Joe-Ann. McCarver Family. Vickie 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. 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. 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. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. Katelyn (H) 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

Ryan, Sarah, Josh & Caleb Bedenkop – missionaries in Arizona.

The Ministry of IDOK

The Peace of Israel.

Revival in America.

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. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Kyle N(3/09). Jessica D. (4/09) Sgt. Vince Barrientos (5/2009) Bill H. (added 9/24/09)

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) Matt P. (added 9/24/09)

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

As I post this it is 67°F and partly cloudy in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 6:16 AM AST on September 28, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

I am borrowing from Beth for today because I don’t think I can improve on it. In Week Two, Day One of The Patriarchs, we started with chapter 16 of Genesis. You may recall the story were Sarai decides God is wrong and she is going to fix what He has messed up. That is my paraphrase but nevertheless the truth.

1 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.

Can’t you just hear the distrust in her voice? Can’t you hear the accusation? ‘This is all God’s fault! He said He would give us a child and now He is keeping me from having one! He lied!’

We do this too. We may be more subtle than Sarai but we’ve done it. Have I ever worried? Have you? Then we’ve subtly accused God. And I am convinced that at any moment we ACCUSE God we have just messed up really, really badly and if we do not stop right then and there in that very moment and repent, we are setting ourselves and others up for some severe consequences. And a glaring example is Isaac and Ishmael – Hebrews and Arabs – still fighting.

But on to point two; you will recall that Hagar who was Sarai’s maid servant and whom she gave to Abram as ‘wife’ for the purpose of procreating. And when she did conceive a child, then Hagar and Sarai hated each other. Duh! Imagine that!! So Hagar ran away AND God pursued her! Oh, my goodness that makes me cry! Anyone of us who has at any time been pursued and found by God knows the absolute beauty of this!

7 Now the Angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

He asked her this not because He did not know but because she did not know. She needed to exam herself. Could He be asking you these questions? Could He be asking me these questions?

And Beth said: “Hagar gave God a name. No other character in the Old Testament, male or female, ever does such a thing. Only Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant.” And the name is El Roi which means God Who Sees.

And now to finish up with what I really want you to read: “The divinely initiated encounter between God and Hagar began with these words: “The Angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert.” How like God to become her Spring in the desert. El Roi. He sees when no one else cares to look. He sees through the smile we wear when we’re dying inside. He sees our hurt when we’re mistreated. He sees us when we cry into our pillow because we feel unloved. He sees beyond our sin into the depth of our need. He sees when we’re hiding. Running. He sees when we continue to sow the seed of His Word even in the floodplain of our grief.

. . . He is the God who sees you.”

Amen and amen! I so needed this today! El Roi. The God Who sees me! And loves me! And you too!!

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Remember Katelyn in particular today.

ABBA, I need to see You today as El Roi. I need to know You as El Roi, the God Who sees me. The God Who is pursuing me. Oh, Holy Spirit, stand me still to get caught! Amen and amen.

Our El Roi, we have many for You to see today. Katelyn and her surgeons and her family, see them and comfort and heal them we pray. And not only Katelyn but all these on our list, including our IDOK Troops, especially Matt, we pray for him to be healed.

And, now some hours later, thank You. Today all day You have been God Who sees me. And You have been faithful, You have been good, You have answered prayer. You have loved us. You have cared for us. You have protected us. You have been our God Who sees. And as I put this devotion to ‘press’ I ask You Holy Spirit to make this Word alive to each IDOK and each Reader that they will know in the depths of their ‘gut’ that You are the God Who sees and because You see, they (and me) can trust You with it all. Amen and amen in Jesus Name.

A Specific Unspoken.

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

Children and/or Grandchildren about whom Moms (& Dads) are concerned that their salvation profession may not be true.

Joyce, John & children. Sean. Susan R. Kay B. Louise. Sparky S. Rusty & Romney. Johnny McK and family. Katie H. Amber Johns. Joe-Ann. McCarver Family. Vickie 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. 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. 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. 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

Ryan, Sarah, Josh & Caleb Bedenkop – missionaries in Arizona.

The Ministry of IDOK

The Peace of Israel.

Revival in America.

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) Bill H. (added 9/24/09)

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) Matt P. (added 9/24/09)

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 82°F and clear in Kuwait, KW (Airport) and the time is 6:14 AM AST on September 25, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2009

Page 27 of my The Patriarchs work book is where I shall begin. And the statement is: “Abram was called to be separate—not so he could be detached but so he’d have the God-strength to help.” Is not that the best interpretation of The Lord’s command for us to be in the world but not of the world?

2 Corinthians 6:16-18 (New King James Version)

16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“ I will dwell in them

And walk among them.

I will be their God,

And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“ Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.”

18 “ I will be a Father to you,

And you shall be My sons and daughters,

Says the LORD Almighty.”

Not detached from as in an exclusive club of better than you, look down our righteous noses at you because you do this and we don’t; but separated from those acts, demonstrating by God’s Grace we have been rescued so we can be anointed and empowered by God to help rescue them, to demonstrate for them there is a way out and a way up for them. If Abram had pitched his tent toward Sodom with Lot when Lot was captured Abram would have been too and he would have been of NO HELP to Lot. It just makes sense, God-sense, if we are living just like the world, we have nothing to offer them. If we fail and refuse to separate ourselves from carnality, we will have no ‘power’ working in us to demonstrate a way UP for them. Not of the world so as to be detached but not of so we can help! I like that!!

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

My Baby Girl is not doing as well as we thought she would, still experiencing swelling and much pain, please pray for healing. We are calling the surgeon (oral) again today.

ABBA, I appreciate this message, separated to help, and that’s what I want to be. You know me, you know the stuff going on inside and outside; You now what’s helpful and what’s harmful, You know what’s holy and what’s carnal; thank You for Your love and patience in getting rid of the carnal. I am sorry, really sorry it is taking so long. Thank You for loving me always. And You know my concern for my Baby Girl. I am asking You for relief from this jaw pain and for her to be healed. And not only Baby Girl but we have a whole list of hurting people here. And each one needs to hear from You today and needs to KNOW Your touch upon them and in them today and it is for that I pray. We pray too for our IDOK Troops, for their safety and protection and safe returns home. Guard Israel and turn some hearts to bless Israel and not curse. I remember what You said; that You will bless those who bless Israel and You will curse those who curse Israel. ABBA, please stop those in America who are ready to curse Israel. I am concerned about this and I pray for repentance for these people of power and influence. They don’t seem to know that You LORD are in charge. I pray they will learn quickly in Jesus name. Amen and amen.

A Specific Unspoken.

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

Children and/or Grandchildren about whom Moms (& Dads) are concerned that their salvation profession may not be true.

Joyce, John & children. Sean. Susan R. Kay B. Louise. Sparky S. Rusty & Romney. Johnny McK and family. Katie H. Amber Johns. Joe-Ann. McCarver Family. Vickie 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. 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. 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. 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

Ryan, Sarah, Josh & Caleb Bedenkop – missionaries in Arizona.

The Ministry of IDOK

The Peace of Israel.

Revival in America.

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 86°F and clear in Kabul, AH (Airport) and the time is 5:05 PM AFT on September 24, 2009.