As you know this is not Monday and not January 7, 2008; however, I’m offering you a ‘re-run’ that I thoroughly need. I didn’t do so well this time with the thieves.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2008

This morning seemed just right for a pair of lounging Capri; you know the comfy ones with the drawstring waist. But the drawstring had retreated – the knot on the end had shrunk with wash and wear and my first thought was GREAT, just something else to steal precious time this morning. And I briefly considered wearing them anyway and let the drawstring just stay in retreat but I didn’t and this time fishing it out with a safety pin worked really well and quicker than I thought. We all have those things in our daily routine that pop up, jump out and retreat that we did not invite to our itinerary. I call those things ‘time thieves’. And I am the world’s worst in abhorrence of these little intruders. Sometimes I get ‘bent out of shape’ and I fuss and fume because of them; complaining and explaining why I do not have time for these little ‘criminals’. Which is really playing right into their ‘grubby’ little hands – the complaining and explaining, fussing and fuming does only one – no, two things: steals more time AND my peace.

So this morning I had two choices: wear the pants with the drawstring in retreat (and fuss and fume) or fuss and fume and take a few moments, fish it out and tie a larger knot. I am glad I chose the later, less the fussing and fuming (this time). Which reminds me of an ole adage: ‘a stitch in time, saves nine’ and that brings me to my point: sometimes the ‘time thieves’ are of our own making – at my last wearing of the garment I could have tied a larger knot in the drawstring before washing.

But alas what would I have then done for an IDOK this morning???

WE ARE HUMAN. WE ARE NOT ALWAYS GOING TO DO THE EXPEDIENT THING OR THE RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT TIME AND THERE ARE always going to be TIME THIEVES. But you know what? OUR GOD IS BIGGER THAN the time thieves if we remember the Joy of the Lord is our Strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

And if we need a little more incentive there’s Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Be encouraged! We can beat the time thieves today – by either heading them off with an ‘early stitch’ and when that fails, PRAISE OUR LORD ANYWAY!! That NEVER fails!

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Well, the news on Glenn R is this: NO SIGN OF THE TUMOR and all LOOKS GREAT !!!!!!!!!!

Father, thank You for lessons and for progress in learning them; this is midweek and some of us have already messed up royally and we’d like to finish up the week knowing we lived the last half well. We won’t do that without Your help. And so we are thanking You for Your Patience and the Good Work You are doing in each of us. I ask You to bless and keep safe and guide and give wisdom to each of our IDOKs today. I am asking You to take a reading on each of our hearts and weed out that stuff that does not honor You and move us to rid our hearts of it – help us cooperate with You today. And Father, we have souls on our minds this morning, souls who need rescuing but as yet are not willing to allow YOU to be the one to rescue them. Help them to stop looking to others for what ONLY YOU can do and help us get out of Your way. Thank You Father. And we bring these, we call these names to You and we ask You to deliver to them Your Will for them this day. And for these our IDOK Troops we pray for their protection today in mind and body and spirit. Lord we pray for peace and safety for them; we pray You will see to it that they all get home safe and sound and Holy Spirit we ask You to encourage them and draw them to loving The Lord Jesus with all their hearts. We pray for the Peace of Israel, the Repentance of the American people, and we pray that You will revive Your Church and that You will start with us – Your IDOKs. 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 73°F and scattered clouds in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 7:07 AM AST on September 23, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2009

As I begin this I do not know if this will develop into a full devotion or if it is just a thought to share with you; anyway, as I read Monday’s devotion again, particularly this Scripture something came to mind. (And please know that by this something that came to mind that I am not in any manner, shape or form taking from or diminishing at all the sacred ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.)

I Corinthians 11: 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

For as often as I pick up my copy of ABBA’s Word (His Bread) and eat it, that is read and study and meditate and do what it says, I am proclaiming my LORD’s death till He comes for me. Even in the quietness and the ‘aloneness’ of my office here I am proclaiming to an ‘unseen world’ that I have believed and have received the LORD’s Bread and the LORD’s Cup as my own. Oh my goodness I like that! When I open the Word to read, to learn, to obey, I just know the Angels of God rejoice. I just know they smile and are delighted. I just know my ministering angels are particularly pleased. I like that! I also like that the fallen angels are witnesses too and I figure it disturbs them greatly. And you KNOW I like that! There’s much going on in that to us ‘unseen world’; even so, you and I can affect it a lot I think when we eat The Bread and Drink the Cup before their watching eyes.

But you know their watching eyes should not be our major concern; what should be a major concern is the watching eyes of lost people. Do you think eating the LORD’S BREAD and drinking the LORD’S Cup in the quietness of our rooms will affect them if it affects us? Ponder it and let me know what you think.

One more word that came to me while putting some clothes in the washing machine: God is all about helping you and me to live better; He is NOT about brow beating us with emotions and thoughts about how much we screw up. That’s coming from another source.

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

ABBA, You are awesome. Holy Spirit, thank You; The Word is in deed ALIVE and You speak it. Thank You. Before watching eyes, motivate me to proclaim more and more Your life, death, resurrection and coming again, Lord Jesus. More and more in the quiet of my room, meet with me and speak and change me to Your image; and not just me but every IDOK and every Reader who is willing to be molded. As we are here much of Monday is still before us, rain and all, keep safe our IDOKs in weather and storms of any kind they have upon them today. Thank You that Sparky is doing so well. You have amazed people through him and that delights us. We ask You to keep on doing it. And Joyce and John, heal that marriage we pray. And Sean, You know the mess there and only You can direct him to the Cross and only You can give him space and grace to repent, do it, Lord, do it. And Louise and Elaine, two ladies loved by so many; many who want them to live on here and bless others and we pray that it be so. And there are some specific unspokens, some troubled parents and grandparents, direct them when to pray and keep silent and when to pray and praise and encourage. And there are some senior, senior saints written here too, we pray for their comfort and that for as long as You leave them here they will ‘run’ their races well. We pray all of us will run our races well. We pray our IDOK Troops will walk out this season of their service in holiness and that You will go before them and be their rear guard and that each of them will come home to family and friends safe and sound. I just read again what this Administration has said about Israel, please have mercy, forgive and correct this Administration, correct this Nation I pray. Be gracious to us LORD and bless us with correction and the wonderful gift of repentance. And if IDOK can help, get us to doing it in Jesus Name and for His sake. Empower, provide for and protect Your Missionaries all around this world; keep them healthy and mighty in spirit, soul and body we pray 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 72°F and clear in Balad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 5:53 AM AST on September 22, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009

(I am little longer with this one, please bear with me)

As I sit to write tonight (Sunday) I am thinking of Homecomings and Home-goings. Homecomings, because we were privileged to attend another one today at Myers Memorial in Eight Mile; it was number 101 from them. Naturally, Jerry and I have not attended them all. J At Homecomings the fellowship is sweet and tables and tables of food ain’t bad either. And then there are Home-goings — two of those were reported to IDOK since we last met here at our computer screens. As you will see in the Praise Reports and Prayer Requests, David York as of this afternoon went Home, as did Mabel’s Aunt Lou on Friday afternoon.

And as I thought about David and Lou’s home-goings, a Scripture came to mind. The one about the death of a saint as being precious to the Lord; it’s found at Psalm 116:15 and it reads: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.

Now I am certain that the events surrounding the home-goings of saints are not always precious to ABBA, and I picture our Savior grieving with us in these sufferings; but when that loved one gets to the Other Side, yes I image that is oh so precious to Him and to them. Talk about sweet fellowship! And I suspect the food ain’t bad either! Yes, Homecomings and Home-goings have something in common.

But lets take a look at those verses surrounding verse 15.

12 What shall I render to the LORD

For all His benefits toward me?

That’s a good question, isn’t it? And we have pondered that question from time to time, haven’t we? And preachers have asked it in one form or another intending to motivate pew sitters, haven’t they? So what is the answer?

13 I will take up the cup of salvation,

And call upon the name of the LORD.

Move forward with me from this Psalm to a time at a table prepared before a Home-Going. Particularly recorded for us in I Corinthians 11: 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

That is what we can do! This is what we MUST do to make our own Home-going as sweet for us and as precious in the sight of our Lord as He desires it to be.

14 I will pay my vows to the LORD

Now in the presence of all His people.

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD

Is the death of His saints.

Could it be that this verse is also speaking of the ‘death’ of us still living and not just those who are now living in Heaven? What does Luke 9:22-24 say?

Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

Could it be when we allow the Holy Spirit to crucify our flesh daily so Jesus can live through us that is what is so precious to the LORD? Could it be when we can say as the Psalmist says here:

16 O LORD, truly I am Your servant;

I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant;

You have loosed my bonds.

17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,

And will call upon the name of the LORD.

18 I will pay my vows to the LORD

Now in the presence of all His people,

19 In the courts of the LORD’s house,

In the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

Praise the LORD!

This is what is so very precious to Him and could it be that when we live dying this way that is what will make ‘Going Home’ so very sweet for Him and us?

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Kathie, C.David York left us this afternoon @2:30 To join with our Heavenly Father, thanks to all I.D.O.Ks for all your love and prayers, lots of love, ROY.

Hello, I just wanted to let you know that my dear Aunt Lou has passed away today (Friday). She was a good woman and will be missed by all of our family. I know she is out of pain tonight and safe in her heavenly home now. Thank you for praying for her and putting her name on our prayer list for these many months. In Christ’s precious love, Mabel

My Baby Girl’s oral surgery went well on Friday. Thank you for your prayers.

ABBA, It’s been a busy weekend and You have been faithful and present and precious to us. Even as I think over it, I smile. Thank You. I love You, LORD. And thank You for this devotional writing; it’s a lot to ponder and I want to ponder it enough to do it. So I pray I will and not just me but all our IDOKs. I know You are comforting Roy and Mabel. I know You are right there with them. Thank You. And then there’s these too, the unspoken and the Names, all listed here to remind us to pray and to care because we know You have not forgotten. We know their faces are always before You, we know from Your Word their names are engraved on the palm of Your Hand and we know You are doing all things well concerning each of them. May it be that each one of them will experience Your manifested love today. Please keep our IDOK Troops safe and protected; we desire for each of them to come home safe and sound at the appointed time. And, ABBA, I pray for Israel, a precious people they are and I want for them all that You desire to give them. And Your Missionaries, in every place they are, make sure they have some physical comforts to go along with the comforts in Spirit that You are giving them. Make sure they have their physical needs met too, enough for them and to give away to others and most of all anoint them to take in Your Word and give it out. And as I pray that for them I pray that for me too and for all our IDOKs. You are Awesome, thank You for allowing me to love You and giving me love for You – give me more; lots and lots more. My words are not enough to say how GOOD You are. I am so glad to love You. So glad to believe You. So glad You let me be Your servant. And, ABBA, for Jesus Name sake and because of Him and for Him and through Him I pray. 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 Costa Rica

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 68°F and partly cloudy in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 7:47AM AST on September 21, 2009.