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Do You Wonder?

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IDOK DEVOTION FOR Thursday, February 21, 2008

Do you wonder about fasting? What is the purpose for fasting? Is it just a practice to be done like the Pharisees – see Matthew 9:13-15? Is it something to do to lose weight? I think we can find some answers here in this portion of Scripture (and other passages as well).
Ezra 8:
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.
22 For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.”
23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
No, fasting is NOT about losing weight. No, fasting is not about ceremony or ritual. Fasting is about seeking God. Notice what Father said through Ezra here; Ezra called a fast so the people would HUMBLE themselves before God and seek from Him the right way for them and their children to go. How important is that?!! The people needed direction. They didn’t know what to do and they were so serious about wanting to go the RIGHT way that they stopped feeding their flesh in order to HEAR from God. It was (and is to be) a humble practice. It is not something we do to be seen as the Pharisees did. It is for the purpose of HUMBLING ourselves – Father, we don’t have the answers but YOU do! Fasting is for desperate people who want to know. How blessed we would be to be DESPERATE in this day!
But he did not stop with just the RIGHT WAY TO GO. He included ‘our possessions’. Do you ever feel guilty about praying for the protection of possessions, especially YOUR possessions? Don’t! Here you have it in ‘black and white’: to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. We need to know what God wants us to do with these possessions that we call our own.
What else did Ezra say? Let me give you a Kathie Thompson interpretation here: we ought to be ASHAMED to seek the counsel of the ‘world’! We ought to be ashamed to go to an earthly king when we can go to the King of the Universe for our answers! And not only for answers but for our PROTECTION!
I am concerned right now about the election of a President. I am concerned for the safety (protection) of this Nation. But whoever is elected — our protection is NOT with a President (that does not negate how GREAT it would be to have a GODLY man as President. And frankly right now that’s look pretty slim!!). Our safety and protection is in the Lord Jesus Christ and that is true no matter who is President.
So should you fast? The answer is yes as the Lord leads you. Are you desperate for an answer? Is your daily routine of meats and delicacies hindering you from humbling yourself? Is your daily routine of meats and delicacies feeding your flesh so much that your Spirit is starving? THEN FAST and PRAY!
Daniel 1:
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
Father, for me I ask forgiveness for my lack of desperation; for my surface living and I pray for a humble heart that seeks You first and foremost for my family and all the possessions You have given in Great Grace. I pray for water that runs deep, Lord. I pray that for me and for all our IDOKs. Teach us about fasting. Teach us about effective prayer.
Thank You for the lessons already learned; thank You for the faithful prayers already prayed; thank You for Your Gracious and Faithful Perfect Answers already given and we unashamedly pray for more. We pray for our IDOK Troops to be protected today in mind and body and spirit. We pray for the safe return of each of them. We pray for a successful conclusion to this war. We pray for Israel for her Peace; we pray for the repentance of America; we pray for the opening of the eyes and hearts of Your people to the direction You want us to go. We pray for America that You will have mercy on us and raise up a Godly men and women in spite of the opposition. Father, please forgive America and have mercy on this Nation that You birthed. We are a needy people; we are a sinful people and we pray for mercy; we pray for Holy Ghost Conviction to humble us and turn us from our sins. Thank You for Your Word; apply it today for Jesus sake. Martin Family. Odessa H. Margie & Duncan. A Caregiver for Baby Emily while her Mom works. Kearley Family. Kathy S. Glen Beck. Kaitlyn T and Family. Bev and family. Tonya and family. Rick Burgess and family. Lawson Family. Mrs. Dobbs. Charles and Renee’. Dall T. Dylan. Marsha’s grand-baby. Kathy N. Kyle A. Jason, Vicki. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Terri. Patsy B. Kim T. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’s Mother. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. Lisa W. Anita. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Taylor & family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glen and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Frankie and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa. Brad, Lindsay, Karah and Haley. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Jessie L. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam & Family. Andrew.
Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
The Peace of Israel
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A. Christopher R. Travis N. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Albert R III.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Tim. Lee. George.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Injured Stateside:
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light. Bradley T.
Military at home adjusting – Mack. The 226. Troy. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Edward J.
Civilian in Country – Mike. Lee.
As I post this it is 53°F and clear in Al Asad, IQ & the time there is 4:33 PM AST – on February 21, 2008

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Walking On Water — Who Me?

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IDOK DEVOTION for Tuesday, February 19, 2008

A ‘paraphrased quote’, Author unknown to me: What sense does it make to have a Leader who can walk on water and not follow Him?
Matthew 14:
23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. (Think about that for a moment and let the Holy Spirit speak to you – JESUS went up to the Mountain by Himself to PRAY.) Now when evening came, He was alone there.
24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (I hope you hear tenderness in His voice here. I hope you see the love in His eyes as He reached out His Hand to Peter and saved him.)
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
I hope we are all encouraged to have faith today in the One and ONLY GodMan who walks on water! And Who can enable and empower us to walk on more than we have imagined! We just need to WORSHIP HIM!
UPDATES:
Wanted to give you an up-date on Edward J. (Jay) F who has been in the hospital at Paris Island, SC – Marine. He has been given a medical discharge and is home trying to figure out what to do now. Don’t know how bad his injuries are but he hurt his foot/ankle pretty bad in “boot” camp. Emma
Kathie, Just wanted to post an update for Kaitlyn T and family…. Kaitlyn is doing fine and well now after her scolisis surgery and her infection is under control with antibiotics at this time. She is recovering and doing well. Thanks for the prayers! Kristi
REQUEST:
Mom fell on January 3rd creating a brain hemorrhage, a left broken arm at the top of her arm ( a difficult place for an older person – they rarely operate) and she had a broken hip. Mom has recovered from the outward damage to her head, her arm is healing (they did not cast it in any way) and the therapist will start doing new therapy on it this week, and her hip is healed. She is a devout Christian and a powerful prayer warrior. Mom’s mind is not there like it was and the doctor said it would take two months or more for it to heal. She shocked me yesterday to my bones and I had to leave the room to keep from crying. There are so many people out there with such bigger problems, but I am going to ask you to place my Mom on your list for prayer – her name is Odessa H. Vivian
Before completing the writing of this IDOK I received sad news; two of our IDOKs got word this morning that their Father was found dead this morning. Please pray for the Martin Family.
Father, you know what a hard thing this is for Josh and Jamie; it hurts us who love them, the pain and shock they are experiencing is beyond our comprehension and all we know to do is pray – Lord Jesus You can walk on water, You can help them and Holy Spirit we pray You will now in this moment hold them close. And we pray for Odessa that You will restore her much sooner than the doctors expect. Thank you for the good report for Kaitlyn. We appreciate this Lord. Thank You. And we pray for Jay, help him find himself again; give him a purpose and a drive within to embrace life for Your Sake and Your Glory. And we pray for all our IDOK Troops today that You will protect them in mind and body and spirit and bring them all home safe and sound at the appointed time. Lord, we want them all to know Your Peace today. We pray for the Peace of Israel, the repentance of America; a successful conclusion to this war; the election of Your Choice for President; the refreshing of Your people – Lord build a fire of passion in us for You and Your Will for us. And for each of these listed here and all us IDOKs Holy Spirit bring us to worship You Lord today. Martin Family. Odessa H. Margie & Duncan. A Caregiver for Baby Emily while her Mom works. Kearley Family. Kathy S. Glen Beck. Kaitlyn T and Family. Bev and family. Tonya and family. Rick Burgess and family. Lawson Family. Mrs. Dobbs. Charles and Renee’. Dall T. Dylan. Marsha’s grand-baby. Kathy N. Kyle A. Jason, Vicki. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Terri. Patsy B. Kim T. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’s Mother. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. Lisa W. Anita. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Taylor & family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glen and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Frankie and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa. Brad, Lindsay, Karah and Haley. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Jessie L. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam & Family. Andrew.
Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
The Peace of Israel
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A. Christopher R. Travis N. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Albert R III.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Tim. Lee. George.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Injured Stateside: Edward J.
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light. Bradley T.
Military at home adjusting – Mack. The 226. Troy. Brad. Tommy. Desi.
Civilian in Country – Mike. Lee.
As I post this it is 54°F and heavy in Al Asad, IQ & the time there is 4:39 PM AST – on February 19, 2008
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Do It Anyway!

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IDOK DEVOTION FOR Monday, February 18, 2008

We have some THANK YOUs to FATHER this morning.
Diane’s heart tests all came back fine and the only problem she had was her blood is too thick. They’ve put her on blood thinner and everything should be fine. The was another problem of a sensitive nature – but with treatment she will be fine. She went home from the hospital today (Sunday). Thanks for the prayers. Janet.
My Mom, Anita is at home and seems to be doing well after her stroke. Thank you for your prayers. Pat
And we have some Unspoken that were answered!! To God be the Glory!! He is AWESOME!!

It was another full weekend for us and I am late here to the ‘keyboard’ – only Father can give us His ‘music’ this morning; but then only He can write an IDOK any morning!!
There was a time when Jeremiah had such a message from The Lord that he did not want to give it. Listen to what he said in Jeremiah 20 verse 7 and following:
7 O LORD, You induced me, and I was persuaded;
You are stronger than I, and have prevailed.
I am in derision daily;
Everyone mocks me.
8 For when I spoke, I cried out;
I shouted, “Violence and plunder!”
Because the word of the LORD was made to me
A reproach and a derision daily.
9 Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him,
Nor speak anymore in His name.”
But His word was in my heart like a burning fire
Shut up in my bones;
I was weary of holding it back,
And I could not.
Are there times you feel the message you have is violence and plunder? A message that no one wants to hear? And it may be — but give it anyway!! Jeremiah couldn’t hold it back, even when he and his message were held in derision. Oh, that we were like Jeremiah!! Oh that the Message of our God was as a burning fire shut up in our bones and we could hold it in no longer but had to let it out! – Had to tell it!
Jeremiah goes on in chapter 20 with his lament; I am only going to share with you here a portion of one more verse – it’s taken out of context but may it give you courage today; may it put a song in your heart.
11 But the LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One.
Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail.
Amen!
Here’s a portion of a song by Martina McBride – not necessarily a ‘Christian’ song but a goodly message:
God is great
But sometimes life ain’t good
And when I pray
It doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yea – I do it anyway
I cannot give you specific details but please pray for a local family; they are facing serious life altering situations, they need Father’s Divine Favor to turn hearts of people and events.
Father, help us do it anyway today and everyday! We want to give the message of repentance and salvation; we want to tell the bitter sweet story. Lord, build a fire within us with Your Word; build a fire in our bones to enlist in Your Ministry of rescuing dying and hurting people. Thank You for the answered prayer; thank You for ministering health to Diane and Anita. Thank You for answering prayers so private and unspoken. Thank You.
Thank You in advance for taking care of our IDOK Troops today; for keeping the safe from harm in all ways – mind, body and spirit. And we pray for a successful conclusion to the war; for the peace of Israel, for the repentance of America, for the election of your choice for president, for the revival of Your Church. And for families in crisis we pray You will guide them; open doors and lead them through them so they can get to the places You want them to be for Your Glory and their good. And for these others listed here we thank You and pray for Your Perfect Will for them today. Margie & Duncan. A Caregiver for Baby Emily while her Mom works. Kearley Family. Kathy S. Glen Beck. Kaitlyn T and Family. Bev and family. Tonya and family. Rick Burgess and family. Lawson Family. Mrs. Dobbs. Charles and Renee’. Dall T. Dylan. Marsha’s grand-baby. Kathy N. Kyle A. Jason, Vicki. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Terri. Patsy B. Kim T. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’s Mother. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. Lisa W. Anita. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Taylor & family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glen and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Frankie and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa. Brad, Lindsay, Karah and Haley. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Jessie L. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam & Family. Andrew.
Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
The Peace of Israel
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A. Christopher R. Travis N. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Albert R III.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Tim. Lee. George.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Injured Stateside: Edward J.
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light. Bradley T.
Military at home adjusting – Mack. The 226. Troy. Brad. Tommy. Desi.
Civilian in Country – Mike. Lee.
As I post this it is 72°F and blowing widespread dust and smoke in Balad, IQ & the time there is 4:55 PM AST – on February 18, 2008
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Will It Work?

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IDOK DEVOTION for Friday, February 15, 2008

Hope you all had a ‘sweet’ day yesterday. We enjoyed our Valentine Day – topped it off with a banana split and a Sweetheart Blast… Hmmm good!

I looked at an interview yesterday on Christian Broadcasting Network with some information that I’ll share with you here. It seems an older couple has discovered a secret and now they spend a substantial portion of their time traveling and sharing this secret with others. They guarantee great results every time, some in as little as 2 weeks. Testimonials have come in reporting deeper intimacy, a decrease in domestic disputes, a rise in security levels; just all around improvements have been reported. However, even with all the data some are skeptical and have not tried the program; and those testimonials are grim.
So what is this secret that guarantees improvement in just 5 minutes a day for 40 days? Glad you ask – prayer!
With just five minutes a day for 40 days you and your spouse – even if only one of you actually prays aloud can experience marked improvement in your home and marriage. Such improvements as more peaceful communications, increase in pleasurable romance, reduced insecurities about infidelity and divorce, and even in some cases improved financial stability! Why would any couple resist?! Good question! Why would you?

But there’s more. They also said that it works for other relationships, not just husband and wife. It works for parent-children relationships, sibling-sibling relationships; any relationship – just five full minutes a day for 40 days of praying together, even if only one of the parties actually prays aloud – will improve! It can even be done by telephone if one of the parties is out of town. Any takers?!
James 5:
15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.
Father, thank You for this couple and the ministry You have given them; I pray Your Message will continue to go out through them and will bring the harvest You sent it forth to do. And I pray for our IDOKs today that we too will take this message to heart and that we will practice it. I pray for family members in the home or those coming in and out of the home daily that might be resistant that You will wear down that resistance and prayer can be established. Lord, do what You will with this in each of our hearts.
And we bring our list of folks again and we pray for them that they will see and know all their needs of this day are found and given by You. We pray for our IDOK Troops for peace and security of heart in hostile lands; for protection of mind, body and spirit and for a safe return home for each of them at the appointed time. We pray for a successful conclusion to this war; we pray for Peace for Israel, for Repentance for America; for the Election of Your Choice for President and for an Outpouring of conviction and revival upon Your Church all for Jesus sake. Amen and amen. Diane. Margie & Duncan. A Caregiver for Baby Emily while her Mom works. Anita. Kearley Family. Kathy S. Glen Beck. Kaitlyn T and Family. Bev and family. Tonya and family. Rick Burgess and family. Lawson Family. Mrs. Dobbs. Charles and Renee’. Dall T. Dylan. Marsha’s grand-baby. Kathy N. Kyle A. Jason, Vicki. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Terri. Patsy B. Kim T. Rachel B. Kevin and the children. Lisa’s Mother. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. Lisa W. Anita. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Taylor & family. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glen and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and girls. Frankie and girls. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa. Brad, Lindsay, Karah and Haley. Cindy K and family. Chuck. Jessie L. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam & Family. Andrew.
Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family.
Every IDOK church.
The Peace of Israel
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Hawk. Brant W. Lyndon A. Christopher R. Travis N. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Albert R III.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Tim. Lee. George.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Injured Stateside: Edward J.
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light. Bradley T.
Military at home adjusting – Mack. The 226. Troy. Brad. Tommy. Desi.
Civilian in Country – Mike. Lee.

As I post this it is 50°F and blowing widespread dust in, Al Asad, IQ & the time there is 5:01 PM AST – on February 15, 2008

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