IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009

I have read a lot today, more than I think I can digest. Let me take a verse from here and there to share with you today. Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. ABBA spoke this to Jeremiah to speak to the people of Israel and Judah – the Hebrews were split at the time into two kingdoms. So primarily this Word was given to them but since we are spiritual heirs with Abraham, I see this as a promise to us too. If we are hungry for our God and if we are listening, He will make sure there is a shepherd from His Very Heart to feed us. That is beautiful, don’t you think?

Then in Titus and this bears more digesting, more meditation; but here are my raw thoughts. Titus 1: ¹⁰ For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, ¹¹ whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.

Whose mouths must be stopped; does that strike you as strong?

What about this? ¹³ This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, Rebuke them sharply, it says. And this one: Titus 2:¹⁵ Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. Rebuke with all authority, it says. What do you make of this? Do you think it may be that we have been tolerate and timid for too long now? You do know what my definition for ‘tolerance’ is don’t you? Perverted Mercy. Could it be that once we have been taught by shepherds from ABBA’s own Heart and then when we have learned to feed ourselves from the Word with direct, hands on leadership of the Holy Spirit, could it be that we could be used to ‘shut some mouths’? Would you like to? I mean would you like to be anointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit to shut some folks up? I think I would.

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

ABBA, I am thinking it would be so very good for some mouths to be shut, but it would be even better for them to be shut to what they have been speaking and opened afresh with new tongues; tongues that praise You, tongues that have been converted by Your Glorious Gospel. I’d like to witness that and I’d like to be an instrument You can touch through to bring this to pass. But until then and in the here and now I pray that my mouth will open in righteousness and You will fill it with what You want to be spoken.

I pray You will take Your Word contained on this page and make it alive in the minds and hearts of we Your People. I pray too now for each one named here below. Sean for one, he is one of those I have been told who needs a new tongue, a new heart and I pray he will surrender to You and be saved. And Kay, hold her close and give her will and strength to slay the giants in this hostile land she is now traveling. And Kay isn’t the only one, there are many others on this list with giants looming and threatening their peace of mind and attempting to claim the bodies which You have purchased; don’t let happen, LORD. May it be that every soul listed here will believe and accept Your Victory for them, today and forever. I pray too for our IDOK Troops, for their safety and protection in hostile lands and safe passage home to families and friends. I pray for the peace of Israel, the repentance of America and the reviving of Your Saints. Amen and amen in the Holy and Matchless Name of Jesus.

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 68°F and haze in Baghdad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 5:50 AM AST on September 29, 2009.

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.