IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009

Esther 6:1 That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they read before the king. And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. Then the king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” And the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” So the king said, “Who is in the court?”

Are you picturing that timing? You see in Chapter 5 we were just told that Haman is devising a plan to kill Mordecai the next day and that night the king cannot sleep, so he decides to have someone read to him. And where does the reader just ‘happen’ to pick up and start reading? And when the Reader got to the part in the chronicle that told how Mordecai had saved the king from assassination, and the king was feeling oh so grateful, who walks in? Haman, of course. And what was Haman there to say to the king? To request that the king allow Mordecai to be hanged on the gallows that Haman had prepared for him. Oh what timing!! And ONLY God could orchestrate it! And moreover not only could He orchestrate it, HE DID!! What’s that tell you?

And if you read on you will find that Haman tells the king what he thinks should be done to honor such an ‘one’ (Haman thinks he’s the one to receive the honor) and then the king gives that very privilege to Haman to do FOR Mordecai; to parade Mordecai through the streets wearing a robe that had been worn by the king, on a horse that had been ridden by the king and to shout to all on the streets that this is what is done to one whom the king delights to honor. Can you imagine it? Can’t you just see Haman? And then reading on into chapter 7 Esther speaks to the king and pleads for her life and the life of her people and names Haman as the one who has plotted and arranged for their deaths. Now can you imagine just how furious is the king? Somebody, but not just anybody, Haman is messing with his queen! And with this, is the demise of Haman in verses 9 and 10. “ . . . Then the king said, “Hang him on it!” 10. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. . . . .”

Yep! We can safely trust the Lord’s timing and we can safely trust Him when He says in Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

So are you waiting on something that seems to be ‘forever’ in coming? Have you been mistreated; wronged terribly? Then let the Holy Spirit use these Scriptures to encourage you and give you peace in your waiting. His timing is perfect and His justice is sure!

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Update on Sparky: He is still in SICU, so he is still getting excellent observation and attention. He is still very sick, but his improvement has been phenomenal.

ABBA, again and again this story delights me, not that Haman was such a man as to end as he did but that You are worthy of our trust and that You are faithful and You are oh so brilliant in Your timings; that You take care of details like no other. You are my delight! Thank You.

And ABBA we are specifically adding a broad request this morning for IDOKs who’s children or grandchildren are exhibiting behavior that gives concern about the child’s salvation. And as I pray that, two young girls come to mind that I saw on the street in our neighbor today, young and pretty and dressed so immodestly; attire that to me says they have no idea how much You value them, that somewhere in their young life experiences they have missed respecting themselves and others. Please have mercy and send one of Your choice saints to love them and show them Your better way. And do that too for these IDOK children and grandchildren, send choice servants to love them to the cross for repentance and assurance. And I pray for the concerned parents that they will listen closely to You as You instruct them to respond to their children, both proactively and reactively. It is crucial that they carry Your wisdom with them into every encounter; help them do that. Thank You for Sparky’s continued improvement and we pray for a full recovery for him. We pray again for Louise, for Your best for her to be made real in her. And we pray for these others too and others are coming to mind right now, Amber and Linda; You know the needs there and I am asking You to meet them all. We ask that You keep our IDOK Troops safe and protected in spirit, soul and body and that each of them return home safe and sound at the appointed time. And I pray for the ministries of our local churches, revive and call Your people to step up and accept and serve out of their gifts given to them for the Body of Christ. I pray for Israel for peace and protection. I pray for the people of America that You will grant grace and space to repent and I pray for we Your Church that we will get off the sidelines and do this thing in Your 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 84°F and haze in Baghdad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 6:09 AM AST on September 9, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

http://picasaweb.google.com/PupandKat/SweetPotatoes?authkey=Gv1sRgCOXyxaDB1NS8eg#

This was a relaxing day, don’t know when we’ve had a better Labor Day; hope you all had similar experiences.

I took a couple sweet potatoes that were way passed eating and which had begun to sprout, out to a basket hanging in our Bradford pear tree and today I noticed anew how brilliant and amazing is our God. Not only do these sweet potatoes have beautiful vines growing, but roots too! Such tiny, little things that look so delicate one wonders how could they push through soil and moss; but they did!

You and I are much tougher than sweet potato roots, we can do this thing called living Christian! Philippians 4: 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Kathie, I went to my 30th high school reunion Saturday and got reacquainted with some old classmates. Never would have reconnected if it were not for Facebook. One of my old classmates urgently needs prayer. I’d like to ask you to do your wonderful broadcast and get the prayers flowing heavenward. I’ll copy and paste some of the details here:

Two years ago Louise nearly died due to Superior Vena Cava Syndrome. She has been admitted again for the same thing and will have vascular surgery in the morning (Tuesday, Sept 8). The last time it was very difficult for her and her family. She spent 8 days on a ventilator and many unsuccessful attempts to put in a stent (it finally did take). The day after our 30 year High school reunion, she started showing signs similar to what happened before. At least this time she was stateside and was able to get to the ER quickly. Please pray that there will be one successful attempt tomorrow. Also say a few prayers for Ray, her husband, and her three kids. Thank you, Monica

Thanks Kathie. I know I can count on you to get the word out. Patti

ABBA, You really have put together a beautiful ministry here; we do not even know all the prayers You have heard and answered from this group of saints we call IDOKs. Thank You for giving this privilege and responsibility to us. And we pray for Louise; we would so love it if you would attend to this tomorrow and the first attempt be a good one. I would so love it if You would display Your Goodness and Mercy on her behalf tomorrow; aid the doctors, cause tomorrow’s procedure to be textbook perfect. We are placing this in Your Hands, trusting You and thanking You now for what You do. We pray too now for these others listed here; there’s a lot wrapped up in these names, the love and devotion of family and friends who care so much and we pray for Your Best to be done for these. We pray for our IDOK Troops to be safe and for them all to come home loving You more than when they deployed. We pray for the peace of Israel, the repentance of America and we Your Church to be revived and motivated like never before to pray, abide in Your Word and tell others that they need a Savior and You, Jesus, will save them if they will believe. Amen and amen. A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. 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

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.

ABBA, I have removed the ‘posting’ for the Cleansing of America but I know the prayer is eternal with You.

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 91°F and clear in Kuwait, KW (Airport) and the time is 6:12 AM AST on September 8, 2009.

IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2009

As I begin it is Sunday evening, tomorrow is a vocational holiday for most work-forces – Labor Day observance. Here’s an excerpt from a web page describing the origin of Labor Day. Nothing too spiritual about, or is it?

http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/unitssubjhol/a/laborday.htm

On September 5, 1882 the first Labor Day parade was held in New York City. Twenty thousand workers marched in a parade up Broadway. They carried banners that read “LABOR CREATES ALL WEALTH,” and “EIGHT HOURS FOR WORK, EIGHT HOURS FOR REST, EIGHT HOURS FOR RECREATION!” After the parade there were picnics all around the city. Workers and celebrants ate Irish stew, homemade bread and apple pie. At night, fireworks were set off. Within the next few years, the idea spread from coast to coast, and all states celebrated Labor Day. In 1894, Congress voted it a federal holiday. Today we celebrate Labor Day with a little less fanfare on the first Monday of September. Some cities have parades and community picnics. Many politicians “kick off’ their political campaigns by holding rallies on the holiday. Most Americans consider Labor Day the end of the summer, and the beaches and other popular resort areas are packed with people enjoying one last three-day weekend.

And Father said this about work:.

2 Thessalonians 3: (New Living Translation)

10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.

Work is good; rest is good; may we lean on the Wisdom of God to get the balance right for ourselves and the Nation!

I plan to enjoy the day with my beloved, resting in the FINISHED WORK (LABOR) of JESUS, my Savior. How about you?

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Update on Sparky: He’s awake and responding! God is GOOD!

Update on Roy (dated Sunday): Out of ICU in a room. He’s gonna get up to walk for the first time, shortly. Making improvements!

ABBA, Thank You for these good reports with Sparky and Roy. We are delighted; You are so GOOD! Thank You for a day of play and food and fun with family and friends. Thank You for the privilege and the command to work. You knew we needed it. You knew that without it we’d be stunted in spirit, soul and body. And I pray now that our celebrations, IDOKs’ celebrations, will be marked with worship, praising You and rejoicing in You that You have loved us so much to call us into Your Rest to enable us to step into the privilege of working alongside You in Your Kingdom for the souls of men. That is so good ABBA, so good that You give us this privilege! And so good that You have given us the privilege and responsibility of prayer so we pray right now for these listed here, You know their names, You know their faces and their hearts, You know their needs and we pray they will experience You today and see for themselves that You are meeting their every need. Please continue to protect our IDOK Troops; bring them home safe and sound at the appointed time. Protect Israel from all Her enemies and bring the Nation to Your Peace. Thank You for every soul in America that has been born again and I pray that You will get the attention of the heart of every single one of us and move us to lift up Jesus in word and deed. Especially bless Your Missionaries with anything and everything they need today. Amen and amen. A SPECIFIC UNSPOKEN. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. 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

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.

ABBA, I have removed the ‘posting’ for the Cleansing of America but I know the prayer is eternal with You.

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 79°F and clear in Balad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 6:14 AM AST on September 7, 2009.