IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2009

Okay. It’s 10:45 Monday morning (as I begin), it’s raining with occasional thunder and cool enough here in my office that I turned down the fan and found a jacket and I have been reading in Isaiah; Isaiah One (1) to be exact. I have underlined a sentence or two but what won’t leave me alone are these words in verse 25: And take away all your alloy. So I went to my online dictionary and found the word alloy and it means: a mixture. And we know that some mixtures can be really good. A just right mixture of eggs, butter, honey, vanilla, flour, pecans, oatmeal and bananas makes yummy oatmeal banana nut muffins; but a wrong mixture of these ingredients and it’s not so good. However, a closer examination of the word alloy, narrows that meaning of mixture to: Something added that lowers value or purity. To debase by the addition of an inferior element.

Now read again what ABBA gave Isaiah to write: And take away all your alloy.

So now I am pondering what is the alloy in me? This much I know, I want it gone. Now lets read the rest of the verse. I will turn My hand against you, And thoroughly purge away your dross, and take away all your alloy. When the Holy Spirit turns on the search light in the heart of a Christian and focuses it on some ‘alloy’ found there, if we don’t think rightly about it, it can feel very much like His hand is against us. But what does the verse say He is doing? thoroughly purge away your dross, and take away all your alloy Isn’t that what we want? When we have a gall bladder gone mad or a wisdom tooth gone wild, don’t we gladly submit to the surgeon to get that ‘alloy’ out of there that is ‘messing up the works’? I get the picture, don’t you?

Verses 18 – 20: “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 IF you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword”; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Update on Roy: Roy is doing ok but recovery is long. Please keep praying for us. Radiation will begin about the middle of October. JULEE

Yes, LORD. Yes, Holy Spirit, reason with me and purge the alloy for Jesus sake. We pray for continued under-girding for Roy and Julee; be their comfort and support on every hand and at every turn, we pray. Continue to heal Sparky we pray and there are others coming to mind too, You know who they are and You know what is needed; thank You for caring and for being in control of it all. We pray again for our IDOK Troops for their safety and protection in spirit, soul and body. We pray too for each name and situation listed here, You know what is best for each and it is for that we pray. I pray for peace for Israel, for safety, favor and open doors for Your missionaries in every country, and the awakening of Your Church 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.

Louise. Sparky S. C David. 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. 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

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 73°F and clear in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 5:43 AM AST on September 15, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

It’s not new, you have been told it before – make Scripture personal. For strength, for comfort, read Psalm 121 and make it personal. I will change the words you to me and your to my and I trust as you read, you will feel the warmth, comfort, strength and encouragement that Father intends for us in this passage.

1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help?

2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

And after this proclamation the Psalmist turns to us, and beginning in verse 3, he is speaking to you and me; so as I said, let us read it that way.

3 He will not allow my foot to be moved; He who keeps me will not slumber.

4 Behold, He who keeps (Israel) my People–my family shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is my keeper; The LORD is my shade at my right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike me by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve me from all evil; He shall preserve my soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve my going out and my coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.

Maybe I will postpone the memorizing of 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 for Psalm 121. I need them BOTH committed to memory!

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Update on Sparky (Saturday): Sparky has been out of SICU for only 2 days. Tonight he is eating , yes, eating food . Little as it may be, it is good, wholesome food, not a feeding tube through his nose into his stomach. It’s a remarkable “ride” to be this advanced from a short 2 weeks ago when the Drs. were wondering about the mans future. We who were waiting, praying, thanking, and praising knew what God can do when His people pray in His name and with true believers faith about what He will do. Let’s not slow down, please.

ABBA, thank You for bringing me to this portion of Your Word this day; thank You for giving us the privilege, even the directive, the command to make it personal; to make Your Word personal to ourselves, individually. Thank You.

We praise You and thank You for this wonderful news from Sparky. Thank You for answering our prayers, each and every one of them. Thank You too that Your answers are always best.

Thank You for the protection You have given our IDOK Troops, You have been so gracious, thank You. And we pray again today for protection and safety for them in spirit, soul and body; we know there is so much more to protecting them than just their bodies from bombs and guns, we especially entrust and pray for them to be soften in heart, not hardened by the things they hear and see in hostile lands. We pray for each of them to come home safe and sound.

We pray too for each name and circumstance written here, for Your divine intervention as You see fit. Bless and comfort and keep safe our IDOKs I pray and thank You for each of them. 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.

Louise. Sparky S. C David. 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. 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

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 99°F and clear in Al Sahra, IQ (Airport) and the time is 2:00 PM AST on September 14, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009

Today I determined it was time to choose my next memorization passage, and with trepidation I have settled on 2 Corinthians 10:4-6. It’s a mouthful and quite ambitious of me I think.

I don’t often quote here for you from the Message Bible but today I want to give you two translations of my memorization passage. First the New King James Version which is the version I intend to memorize.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (New King James Version)

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Now this is the Message Bible version. I want to give it to you in this version because — well, it just reads like a ‘Message’ to us for today and tomorrow and all our remaining times here.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (The Message)

3-6The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

Is it not so? Is not this society in which you and I breathe in and out unprincipled? Is it not dog-eat-dog out there? Does the world fight fair? Heck, no! But we will never change the minds of the world’s people by being like the world; or fighting like the world or ‘loving’ like the world. Ooh, I like this because this is headed some place I did not know it was going when I started. I only knew it when I typed ‘but we will never change the world by being like the world’ … okay, so that’s a paraphrase of what I just said. The grandson of Billy Graham, Tullian Tchividjian, has written a book and as he was giving an interview regarding the book he said something like I just said. If we Christians (Churches) want to make a difference in this world then we must STOP competing with the world and start being different, so different that honest God seeking people will come knocking on our doors; so different that even those who did not know they were interested in God will come asking what makes us so different. The book is titled Unfashionable. (Be sure to scroll down the web page and watch the video.)

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Unfashionable/Tullian-Tchividjian/e/9781601420855

For once in my life and for the rest of my life, I’d like to become REAL unfashionable! You too?

And before we go to prayer, a side note; just because I am so tickled about it. My mouse has been dragging. I mean it has been such a drag that it was an effort to get ‘him’ to move around the pad. So today I took out my Clean Safe Dust Remover, turned ‘him’ over, opened him up and sprayed his inside cavity real good; put him back together and WOW he just glides effortlessly over that pad. What’s that have to do with today’s devotion? Nothing. Unless we could say maybe it’s time we allow the Holy Spirit to open us up and blow in some of His Clean Safe ‘sin’ remover. Maybe these verses could get us started. Let us see just how unfashionable we can become!

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Update on Donald 1: Dear Friends & Family, Thank you for your prayers for my precious brother. He got his pathology reports results yesterday afternoon and I am just praising the Lord! No cancer cells were found in the three lymph nodes. He will see the oncologist every three months for the next year to check his remaining lymph nodes for swelling. Please remember him in your prayers as the Lord brings his name to mind. Love and thanks, La Juanna

Update on Roy & Julee: Roy is doing o.k. Lots of trauma to his body from the 11 hour surgery. The pain level is higher now since they have weaned him off the IV and giving him pain pills. He is nauseated and so they are giving him pills for nausea. I think they are going to discharge him today to the Rotary House which is the hotel that joins Anderson. God has been so good and we certainly appreciate your love, prayers and concern. Please pray for me, too! Julee.

Update on Sparky: Folks from the very words of the man himself, “its been a wonderful day.” You read it right Sparky told Kathleen that earlier this afternoon.

Doctors are stunned, amazed, and unable to even comprehend this man’s recovery.

The MRI he had yesterday did not show any problem. So, the left side’s slower response will according to the doctors be improved with therapy.

Now for the bigger news, Sparky has been transferred to a room tonight, #3309 and will still have monitoring but, not a one on one nurse. He has improved that much…..Praise God in all He has done in this remarkable recovery. But we still need to pray, no fever, no infections to develop.

ABBA, Thank You for this wonderful news from Donald! No cancer in the lymph nodes! We are so grateful. Thank You that Your Hand is upon him and shall continue to be.

We would love to have similar good news soon for Roy too and give strength to Julee we pray.

ABBA, I enjoyed writing this devotion; thank You for allowing me to do this since 2003; You are awesome! Now about this unfashionable challenge; I am inviting You to make it so of me and as many IDOKs as will, I pray this for them too; that we become holy unfashionable to display Your Goodness to the world. We pray for our IDOK Troops for their safety and protection, for their wellbeing in spirit, soul and body and for their safe returns home.

I am not pleased with the stuff I am hearing regarding Palestine, the United Nations and President Obama; I don’t want this Nation’s relationship to Israel to be jeopardized; I don’t want this Nation to curse Israel, but rather bless and bless and bless. I pray You will intervene in this. I pray You will continue to expose corruption and I pray for grace and space for leaders and supporters to repent. Holy Spirit, You know for sure but it seems to me there are hundreds of thousands of women and men, boys and girls in this country who actually do love You and I pray for us that we will be the people upon whom You do as You said in Joel and in Acts, pour out Your Spirit upon us, make us bold to prophesy in Your Name for the saving of the lost around us. I think this is an exciting time to live, I see the troubles, I see the trials, I see the corruption, but it’s a really good stage for You to display Your Goodness and Greatness, and, ABBA, I want to be a part of that. I want to do my part in this end time drama. Don’t let me be stale and stymie; don’t let me fail to do this thing while I can. I see some changes forming, thank You. Okay, before we close this for now, we must remember every one listed on this page, each one needs You in a particular way and we want them to experience You, to experience Your Goodness and Your faithfulness and we ask that they will in Jesus Name. Amen and amen. And… that wonderful news about Sparky just came in! His left side will improve with therapy! You are AWESOME! Thank You. Thank You!! And, yes we pray no fever, no infection and for him to be back to ministering to others soon.

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.

Louise. Sparky S. C David. 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. 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

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 75°F and clear in Baghdad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 6:04 AM AST on September 11, 2009.