Monday, October 4, 2010 — IDOK Devotion

Praying for These, please click here to review names. (new feature – may print list from PfT page)

I am here this morning with many thoughts crowding and racing my mind campaigning to be first on the page. Here’s the winner.

I am forgiven! Past, present and future sins are gone — in CHRIST JESUS I am forgiven, now and forever!

Before the dawn (well, at this moment of writing it’s not dawn yet in Satsuma, Alabama) that thought stood guard as first in my stream of consciousness. Beautiful, isn’t it?  All praise be to our Glorious Savior JESUS CHRIST The Righteous.

Another. As long as my Babies are safe and resisting temptation I am a ‘happy camper’.

Another. It was a good weekend. We strolled a portion of  the campus at Auburn.  The day was gorgeous! The campus is beautiful.  A youngster with the Mind of Christ could have a four year holy blast there!  If only we could stuff wisdom in the brain of the body of Youth.

Another. Pastor gave two excellent sermons yesterday at Satsuma First Baptist.  I am blessed!

And then my Journey this morning said ‘Minister with Joy’.  Here’s an excerpt:

“An imperfect shepherd leading an imperfect flock. Sounds odd, doesn’t it? But because we live in a fallen, imperfect world, our pastors are imperfect people (just like their imperfect congregations).  God has placed the responsibility of shepherding His flock, His Church, in the hands of pastors who are called and appointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28). So let’s support and encourage our pastors.  And this month is the perfect time to begin: it’s Pastor Appreciation Month.

Father, help us to honor, encourage, and support the pastors You have appointed to lead us, Your Flock. Help us to keep any criticism constructive, and build up our pastors.

Acts 20:28 (New American Standard Bible) ²⁸“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

And that’s the way He brings it all together:  By the blood of JESUS CHRIST I am forgiven – past, present, future sins gone! Be on guard — take note what we are thinking. Pray and encourage our Pastors (and if you don’t have one, keep on believing God has a plan). And pray for our children — however old or young, bathe them morning by morning and as the day grows long in Holy Spirit led prayer.

3 John 4: I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. Amen and amen to that!!

2 Corinthians 10: (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.

LaJuanna asked that we pray for her brother Donald.  Her request is posted at Notices Given.

Well, ABBA, it’s on the screen and the minutes have sped by and the activities of the day are upon us.  Thank You for work.  And we pray to do it well today, whatever it is and wherever it is, my prayer is that we will honor You as we serve You serving others today for a paycheck and especially if there is no paycheck.

You know the people You have blessed this ministry with the privilege and responsibility to pray for, so now we bring them and Donald too; asking You to heal and save.  And we bring our IDOK Troops for protection and safe keeping too. And, ABBA, I personally again pray for the November elections; I pray the ruthless will be reproved and removed from office and others with integrity and who will support and adhere to the Constitution You gave us will be elected.

And, ABBA, thank You for Pastor Roy.  HOLY SPIRIT strengthen him and fortify him today.  And HOLY SPIRIT, I ask You to pour out in this age of Grace conviction and bring revival to the Church and salvation to the Nation. Amen and amen in JESUS NAME.